Time-lapse Visualization of Agglomeration and Growth of Ash During Regeneration of Diesel Particulate Filters Using a FE-SEM

Abstract

The agglomeration and growth of ash during regeneration of a diesel particulate filter was investigated through time-lapse visualization utilizing a field-emission scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The primary and large scale ash particles contain calcium, zinc, phosphorous and sulfur were dispersed in Particle Matters (PMs) cake layer. During the shrinkage of PMs Cake layer in regeneration, these ash components were gathered together to form various types of large agglomeration, as well as aggregation ash particles. They were nearly uniform deposited around the perimeters of surface pores.