2D simulation of the regeneration performance of a catalysed DPF for heavy-duty applications

The objective of this work is to study the regeneration performance of a heavy-duty DPF application. The simulation of the local temperatures and pressure drop during the regeneration could be validated with experimental data, indicating the need for a 2D model approach to describe this particular catalysed DPF configuration. Furthermore, the model was applied to illustrate the axial and radial regeneration phenomena focusing on soot and temperature distribution.     

Hot zones formation during regeneration of diesel particulate filters

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is used to remove particulate matter (PM) from the diesel engine exhaust. The accumulated PM is periodically removed by combustion, which sometimes leads to excessive temperature excursions that melt the ceramic filter. This behavior cannot be explained by operation under stationary feed conditions. We propose that these temperature excursions are a dynamic effect following a rapid change in the driving mode while the DPF is being regenerated. Specifically, a rapid decrease in the exhaust temperature can lead to a counterintuitive large transient temperature rise above that which would exist under a higher stationary feed temperature. This unexpected behavior is similar to the well‐known wrong‐way behavior in packed‐bed reactors, even though the axial‐dependent flow through the filter in a DPF is rather different from the constant axial flow through a packed bed. We present simulations that provide insight about the dependence of the amplitude of this wrong‐way temperature rise on the filtration velocity, the PM loading, dimensions of the DPF, and the amplitude of the rapid temperature decrease and when it occurs after the start of the regeneration. The insight provided by these simulations will help develop operation and control protocols that circumvent or at least decrease the probability of the occurrence of the destructive melting of the DPF. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011     

Evidences of the Cerium Oxide-Catalysed DPF Regeneration in a Real Diesel Engine Exhaust

The active phase Ce_0.5Pr_0.5O₂ has been loaded on commercial substrates (SiC DPF and cordierite honeycomb monolith) to perform DPF regeneration experiments in the exhaust of a diesel engine. Also, a powder sample has been prepared to carry out soot combustion experiments at laboratory. Experiments performed in the real diesel exhaust demonstrated the catalytic activity of the Ce–Pr mixed oxide for the combustion of soot, lowering the DPF regeneration temperature with regard to a counterpart catalyst-free DPF. The temperature for active regeneration of the Ce_0.5Pr_0.5O₂-containing DPF when the soot content is low is in the range of 500–550 °C. When the Ce_0.5Pr_0.5O₂-containing DPF is saturated with a high amount of soot, pressure drop and soot load at the filter reach equilibrium at around 360 °C under steady state engine operation due to passive regeneration. The uncoated DPF reached this equilibrium at around 440 °C. Comparing results at real exhaust with those at laboratory allow concluding that the Ce_0.5Pr_0.5O₂-catalysed soot combustion in the real exhaust is not based on the NO₂-assisted mechanism but is most likely occurring by the active oxygen-based mechanism.     

Effect of Exhaust Gas Temperature on Oxidation of Marine Diesel Emission Particulates with Nonthermal-Plasma-Induced Ozone

Because the regulations governing diesel engine emissions are becoming more stringent, effective aftertreatment is needed for particulate matter. Although diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are a leading technology used in automobiles, there remains a problem with DPF regeneration for marine diesel engines that use heavy oil fuel. In the present study, pilot-scale experiments were conducted to develop a particulate oxidation technology for marine diesel engine emissions using DPF regeneration by nonthermal-plasma-induced ozone injection. It has been shown that particulate oxidation depends on the exhaust gas temperature, and regeneration can be performed most effectively at a temperature of approximately 300 °C.     

Counter‐intuitive temperature excursions during regeneration of a diesel particulate filter

A major technological challenge in the regeneration of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) is that sometimes local high temperature excursions melt the cordierite ceramic filter. The cause of this melting is still an open question as the highest temperature attained under stationary (constant feed) combustion of the accumulated particulate matter is too low to cause this melting (melting temperature ～1250°C). We recently conjectured that the high temperature excursions are a counterintuitive response to a rapid deceleration, which decreases the exhaust gas temperature and flow rate and increases the oxygen concentration. Infrared measurements of the spatiotemporal temperature during soot combustion on a single‐layer DPF showed that a simultaneous step change of the feed temperature, flow rate, and oxygen concentration can lead to a transient temperature that exceeds the highest attained for stationary operation under either the initial or the final operation conditions. The experiments revealed that the magnitude of the temperature rise depends in a complex way on several factors, such as the direction of movement of the propagating temperature front. The amplitude of the temperature rise is a monotonic decreasing function of the distance that the temperature front moved before the step change. The rapid response to the feed oxygen concentration increases initially the moving front temperature. The slow response of the ceramic DPF to a decrease in the feed temperature may eventually decrease the moving front temperature and even lead to premature extinction and partial regeneration. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011     

Emissions from a diesel car during regeneration of an active diesel particulate filter

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Joint Research Center of the European Commission (JRC) have collaborated on emissions testing of a light duty diesel vehicle, which is Euro 4 compliant and comes equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The California testing included an investigation of the regeneration of the DPF over cruise conditions and NEDC test cycles. DPF regeneration is caused by the buildup of soot in the filter, and for the present test vehicle the regeneration process is assisted by a fuel borne catalyst. Regulated exhaust emissions increased substantially during the regeneration events; however, PM emissions levels were below California LEVII emissions standards. There was a very large increase of volatile particles between 5 and 10 nm, and these volatile particles were generated during all of the observed regeneration events. It appears that the particle number instruments that use the PMP methodology do not capture the PM mass increase during DPF regeneration; however, for one regeneration event there was an apparent large increase in solid particles below the PMP size limit. The PM mass increase associated with regeneration appears to be due to semi-volatile particles collected on filters. During the testing, the regeneration events exhibited considerable variations in the time for regeneration as well as the amount of PM emissions. From this investigation, several questions have been posed concerning the emission of very small (<20 nm) volatile and solid particles during DPF regeneration that need further investigation.     

Multi-channel simulation of regeneration in honeycomb monolithic diesel particulate filters

In recent years advanced computational tools of diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration have been developed to assist in the systematic and cost-effective optimization of next generation particulate trap systems.In the present study, we employ a previously validated, state-of-the-art multichannel DPF simulator to study the regeneration process over the entire spatial domain of the filter. Particular attention is placed on identifying the effect of inlet cones and boundary conditions, filter can insulation and the dynamics of “hot spots” induced by localized external energy deposition. Lateral heat losses through the insulation and the periphery of the filter can, as captured by the magnitude of the Nusselt number, Nu, are detrimental to the effectiveness of the regeneration process. A filter can Nu number less than 10 and preferably less than 5 is a good design target for high regeneration efficiency. For the case studied, insulation of the inlet cones can lead to a gain of 30% in regeneration efficiency by eliminating radial temperature gradients at the inlet filter face. The multichannel simulator provides an instructive illustration of the well-appreciated effects of localized hot spot on filter regeneration: hot spots play a more significant role (spread over) when located near the entrance of the filter.     

Detailed investigation of non‐catalytic DPF regeneration

The present investigation concerns the phenomena that occur during the non‐catalytic regeneration of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). The temperature evolution in the filter has been correlated to the emissions of CO, HC, NO, and NO₂ during the loading and regeneration process. The emissions were assessed over both the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and the DPF, in order to characterise the chemical species evolution inside the after‐treatment line. Different regeneration temperatures, which have been found to have a strong impact on the evolution of the soot oxidation rate, have been assessed. Finally, the particulate emissions during regeneration have been measured on a number and size basis.     

Impact of Biodiesel-Based Na on the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx by NH3 Over Cu–Zeolite Catalysts

A single-cylinder diesel engine was used to investigate the impact of Na on Cu–zeolite SCR catalysts using 20 % bio- and petrol-diesel fuel blend (B20) with elevated levels of Na. The Na exposure was performed on light-duty (DOC–SCR–DPF) and heavy-duty (DOC–DPF–SCR) configurations of the diesel emissions control devices. The accelerated Na aging is achieved by exposing the system to elevated levels of Na that represent full useful life exposure (700,000 km) and periodically increasing the exhaust temperature to replicate DPF regeneration. After aging, the NO_x performance and relevant chemistry of the SCR catalysts were evaluated in a bench flow reactor. The SCR in the DOC–SCR–DPF configuration was found to be severely affected by Na contamination, especially when NO was the only NO_x species in the simulated exhaust gases. In the DOC–DPF–SCR configuration, no impact is observed in the SCR NO_x reduction activity. Electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) reveals that Na contamination on the SCR samples in the DOC–SCR–DPF configuration is present throughout the length of the catalysts.     

Enhancing the temperature stability of PLA by compounding strategies

The low thermal stability of polylactid acid (PLA) limits its use for various applications such as microwave‐ready dishes or hot beverage packaging. Furthermore, contained items might be damaged by occurring temperature peaks during transport (e.g., shipping container internal temperature exceeds 80°C) or other usage (e.g., car dashboard heated by sun). The aim of this study was the development of a PLA compound with an operating temperature above 100°C. Therefore, different formulations (e.g., stereocomplex of PLLA and PDLA, cross‐linking of PLA or use of commercial additives) were identified and compounds with varying conditions produced and tested regarding their thermal and mechanical properties. The results showed clearly possible routes for improving the thermal properties of PLA. Using such compounds respectively processing routes and additives helps to overcome one of the most significant problems when using PLA. The higher operating temperature of this biopolymer will lead to a wider field of application and will avoid shipping hazards. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2849–2858, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE CHANGES DURING MICROWAVE DRYING OF SLICED FOOD

Microwave drying characteristics of sliced foods were investigated using potatoes (Solarium tuberosum) as a test model. Sliced samples were dried to 7-10% moisture content at microwave power levels between 2.2 W/g and 3.6 W/g (raw material). Moisture and temperature changes during drying were monitored. Semi-empirical models were developed that followed temperature and moisture changes during microwave drying. Sliced potatoes experienced three distinct periods: a warming-up period with little removal of moisture; a constant temperature period in which most of the drying took place; and a heating up period in which the drying rate decreased and sample temperature increased rapidly, often causing partial charring. Product temperature during the second period of microwave drying increased with sample thickness and microwave power. Drying rates were not affected by slice thickness, but increased with the microwave power/mass ratio. Product charring towards the end of drying may be avoided by reducing microwave power and increasing ambient air velocity.     

Amine‐functionalized mesoporous silica: A material capable of CO2 adsorption and fast regeneration by microwave heating

The surface of ordered mesoporous (MCM‐48) silica has been subjected to covalent grafting with silane molecules containing one to three amino groups. The dielectric properties of the materials were studied in detail, and the functionalized materials were used for CO₂ adsorption at room temperature, followed by regeneration under either conventional heating or microwave irradiation. It has been found that, as the intensity of functionalization with amino groups increases (from mono‐ to tri‐amino silanes) both the CO₂ load and the dielectric response at microwave frequencies increase. In particular, functionalization with a tri‐amino silane derivative gave the highest CO₂ adsorption and the fastest microwave heating, resulting in a fourfold acceleration of adsorbent regeneration. The grafted material was fully stable for at least 20 adsorption‐regeneration cycles, making it an ideal candidate for microwave‐swing adsorption (MWSA) processes. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 547–555, 2016     

Steam regeneration of acetone and toluene in activated carbon and dealuminated Y-zeolite beds

The dynamics of steam regeneration in activated carbon and dealuminated Y-zeolite (DAY-zeolite) beds was studied to recover acetone and toluene from effluent gases. Due to the higher adsorption capacity of acetone on both adsorbents, the desorption breakthrough of toluene was faster than that of acetone, but the breakthrough shape of acetone was steeper than that of toluene. The variation in breakthrough time as a function of steam flow rate was less in the activated carbon bed than in the DAY-zeolite bed. The inside temperature profiles during regeneration showed stepwise shapes. A temperature plateau was observed near 355 K for toluene, which is lower than its boiling temperature and azeotrope. A temperature plateau for acetone occurred near 330 K, near its boiling temperature. The duration of the temperature plateau at the bed end corresponded with the time period of high desorption concentration during acetone desorption; for toluene, plateau duration was shorter than the duration of high desorption concentration. The maximum effluent concentration of toluene reached only 80% of the feed concentration, while that of acetone was almost 100%. Therefore, the water-miscibility of the adsorbate was an important factor in steam regeneration.     

具有中间水道的废水再生循环水网络的优化

考虑废水再生循环的水网络,可以最大限度地减少系统的新鲜水消耗和废水排放量,具有中间水道的水网络结构,可以有效地提高系统的柔性,本文建立了具有中间水道的废水再生循环水网络的超结构,提出了网络优化的数学模型。由于该最优网络涉及多参数的优化,本文采用了分步优化的策略,根据各参数的相对重要性,依次对新鲜水消耗量、再生水流率和再生负荷进行优化。计算实例表明,本文建立的方法是有效的。     

填料塔中亚硝酸甲酯再生过程模拟

在气相偶联合成草酸酯工艺过程中,亚硝酸甲酯(MN)再生过程与偶联反应有效匹配是实现整个系统绿色无污染的关键,也是影响草酸酯合成工业放大过程的关键一步。对于MN再生过程的工艺优化和宏观动力学方面进行了较多研究和报道,而对MN再生过程的数学模拟研究较少。通对MN再生过程中发生的主要化学反应进行分析简化,并结合MN再生反应动力学参数,在填料塔中建立了MN再生反应数学模型,并计算了主要工艺参数对MN收率的影响。模拟结果表明,随温度升高、气体流速增大、N₂体积分数增大,MN的收率减小,液体流速增大和NO/O₂摩尔比增大,MN收率增大。通过实验验证了该模型的准确性,MN收率的模拟结果与实验数据的最大相对偏差为-4.39%,为MN再生反应过程的设计和操作提供了理论依据;最后,对于两种不同的NO和O₂混合方式进行了比较,通过模拟计算比较了这两种不同操作方式对MN收率的影响。     

TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE CHANGES DURING MICROWAVE DRYING OF SLICED FOOD

ABSTRACT

Microwave drying characteristics of sliced foods were investigated using potatoes (Solarium tuberosum) as a test model. Sliced samples were dried to 7-10% moisture content at microwave power levels between 2.2 W/g and 3.6 W/g (raw material). Moisture and temperature changes during drying were monitored. Semi-empirical models were developed that followed temperature and moisture changes during microwave drying. Sliced potatoes experienced three distinct periods: a warming-up period with little removal of moisture; a constant temperature period in which most of the drying took place; and a heating up period in which the drying rate decreased and sample temperature increased rapidly, often causing partial charring. Product temperature during the second period of microwave drying increased with sample thickness and microwave power. Drying rates were not affected by slice thickness, but increased with the microwave power/mass ratio. Product charring towards the end of drying may be avoided by reducing microwave power and increasing ambient air velocity.     

吸附挥发性有机化合物树脂的高效微波再生过程

主要研究应用微波辐射再生高聚物吸附树脂.论述了微波加热的优点和微波脱附的原理,以乙醇为吸附质研究了吸附和微波辐射再生吸附剂过程.进行了正流微波辐射脱附和逆流微波辐射脱附实验,测定了微波脱附流出曲线和床层的温升曲线,并与传统的热脱附流出曲线和在不同加热速率下得到的床层温升曲线进行比较.实验结果表明：微波脱附比热脱附脱附速度更快,效率更高;高聚物吸附树脂类吸附剂对微波是半透明的,它对微波的吸收能力随着温度的升高而下降,因此,在微波辐射下,吸附剂床层吸收微波的能力也随着床层温度的升高和吸附质的脱附而减弱,床层最终温度不超过84℃,可使吸附剂的结构和性能不会被破坏和受影响,这有利于吸附剂的循环使用.微波在脱附和吸附剂再生中有很好的应用前景.     

Intra-layer temperature gradients during regeneration of diesel particulate filters

Wall-flow filters are worldwide recognized as the most efficient devices for the abatement of particulate emissions from automotive diesel engines. Mathematical models simulating the particulate thermal oxidation process in the filters are already applied for system optimization. This paper deals with the appropriateness of a specific assumption inherently used in all relevant published models, namely the temperature uniformity in the soot and wall layer. A new mathematical model is developed to predict the temperature gradients under various operating conditions. Based on the model results, it is shown that significant temperature gradients inside the soot layer may exist under some practical operating conditions. These conditions are associated with high flow rates and high soot loadings. In these cases, the uniform temperature assumption may lead to erroneous results for the prediction of the overall regeneration process. The error of this assumption is assessed as function of the soot porosity.     

新型微波适应型复合活性炭的研制及其微波再生性能

微波再生技术被广泛认为是一种高效、节能的绿色再生技术。本文通过引入高热导率物质--膨胀石墨制备出新型微波适应型复合活性炭,解决目前活性炭在微波脱附过程中存在的温度梯度问题,同时开发VOCs活性炭吸附-微波再生技术。结果表明,制得的复合活性炭具有与普通商业活性炭相当的吸附性能,且其热导率提高6倍。同时,其甲苯脱附活化能为18.08 kJ·mol^-1,低于其在商业活性炭上的微波脱附活化能（24.84 kJ·mol^-1）25%以上;相同微波功率下,其脱附床层温度低于实验室制备的普通活性炭10～30℃。所制备的高热导率复合活性炭不仅具有良好的吸附性能,而且具有很好的微波适应性。