Foam-based soot collectors
The imperative need to take precautions for environmental protection and future climate changes has been indicated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Carbon dioxide emissions, among others, have a severe impact and their reduction is one of the strategic targets illustrated in Kyoto's Protocol rulebook. Therefore the European Commission prepared emission regulations setting specific goals for automotive industry concerning fuel quality and exhaust emissions. The regulations are regularly amended; implementing new measures according to the latest technological advances in an effort to control ultra fine particulate matter emissions. Diesel exhaust emissions are dangerous for human health and the environment. Therefore, the focal point of vehicle industries has been to develop quality Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) for the exhaust system of diesel engines to comply with EU regulations. Foam-based DPF systems had been previously prepared. However a systematic approach that would allow simulation of the foam materials behaviour was essential. STYFF-DEXA partners were successful in optimizing soot distribution within DPFs systems for different foam materials utilizing state-of-art computational fluid dynamics methods. Experimental verification of these methods allowed accurate characterisation of the tested materials assessing their potential for different applications. In addition, mapping of their features enabled detection of optimum separation efficiency of cellular (honeycomb) supports (substrates) for regeneration. The predictive power of modelling soot collectors before implementation enhances marketing prospects improving competitiveness in relevant sectors. Evidently, ArvinMeritor Emissions Technologies GmbH (network's partner) seized the opportunity to take over the development of foam filters exploiting the novel simulation tool. In fact, it has already attracted the attention of British Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The set up is readily available for immediate testing and evaluation of raw foam materials potency for catalytic coating of DPFs.
