초록 ▼

A diesel particulate trap formed from silicon carbide cermet foam with associated hardware to retain the foam in a particular configuration. Several pieces of the foam, in the shape of “doughnuts”, are stacked on top of each other. The stack of foam doughnuts is assembled in a container designed to

A diesel particulate trap formed from silicon carbide cermet foam with associated hardware to retain the foam in a particular configuration. Several pieces of the foam, in the shape of “doughnuts”, are stacked on top of each other. The stack of foam doughnuts is assembled in a container designed to allow diesel exhaust to flow radially inward through the doughnuts and exit through the center. Ceramic felt gaskets are interposed between the doughnuts and between each of the end doughnuts and steel end plates. These gaskets serve as buffers and allow for different thermal expansion properties of the steel and silicon carbide cermet foam. The silicon carbide is conducting and has resistance and when current is passed through the foam doughnuts, they become hot enough to burn the collected particulate.

대표청구항 ▼

An engine exhaust after-treatment device for trapping particulate matter comprising: a. a container having an exhaust input and an exhaust output; b. at least one foam silicon-carbide filter element for trapping particular matter positioned in said container such that any exhaust from said engine at

An engine exhaust after-treatment device for trapping particulate matter comprising: a. a container having an exhaust input and an exhaust output; b. at least one foam silicon-carbide filter element for trapping particular matter positioned in said container such that any exhaust from said engine at said container exhaust input must pass through said foam silicon-carbide filter prior to venting through said exhaust output, said foam silicon-carbide filter being electrically conductive so as to generate heat when electrical current is passed therethrough; said filter element including: (1) a plurality of doughnut shaped segments formed of said foam silicon-carbide and each having an exhaust input side and an exhaust output side, and (2) a plurality of non-conductive felt gaskets alternately stacked with said doughnut shaped filter segments to electrically insulate said segments from each other and said container; and c. conductive elements in electrical contact with said filter element for enabling said filter element to receive power and generate heat to burn off particulate matter trapped therein.