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A filter for exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine, and a method of using such a mat on a vehicle. The filter is a mat of fibers enclosed within a metal gauze. Preferably, the mats are corrugated and spaced apart within a housing such that exhaust gases will pass through the mats s

A filter for exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine, and a method of using such a mat on a vehicle. The filter is a mat of fibers enclosed within a metal gauze. Preferably, the mats are corrugated and spaced apart within a housing such that exhaust gases will pass through the mats sequentially. The fibers are wettable, and in use are preferably located a sufficient distance from the engine such that the mat is wetted by condensing water or other liquid in the exhaust gas. Preferably also, the filter is adapted for coupling to an existing exhaust pipe opening.

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The invention claimed is: 1. A filter for exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine, the filter comprising an inlet for coupling to an engine exhaust system outlet and a housing comprising a gas volume wherein the inlet opens into said gas volume, the gas volume containing a filter ma

The invention claimed is: 1. A filter for exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine, the filter comprising an inlet for coupling to an engine exhaust system outlet and a housing comprising a gas volume wherein the inlet opens into said gas volume, the gas volume containing a filter mat of natural fibrous material and defining a larger cross-sectional gas flow area relative to the inlet to induce deceleration and cooling of exhaust gases flowing into the housing, wherein the mat is adapted to be wetted by the water condensed from the exhaust gases, permitting the mat to operate in a wetted condition. 2. A filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mat is pre-wetted. 3. A filter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said filter comprises a plurality of said mats. 4. A filter as claimed in claim 3, wherein said filter comprises a plurality of mats arranged within the gas volume such that exhaust gases will pass sequentially through each mat. 5. A filter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cooling system adapted for cooling exhaust gases before the exhaust gases reach the mat. 6. A filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gas volume is formed and arranged to provide for substantially laminar flow of exhaust gases therethrough. 7. A filter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mat further comprises support means for supporting the fibres. 8. A filter as claimed in claim 7, wherein said support means comprises a metal gauze. 9. A filter as claimed in claim 7, wherein said support means is provided on both sides of said mat. 10. A filter as claimed in claim 7 wherein said support means comprises a wire mesh. 11. A filter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mat is corrugated. 12. A filter as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mat is washable to remove particulates therefrom to permit reuse. 13. A filter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said filter is formed and arranged to allow retro-fitting to an existing vehicle exhaust system. 14. The filter of claim 13, wherein said filter further comprises a conduit for coupling to an exhaust pipe outlet opening. 15. The filter of claim 1, wherein the fibres are made from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, sisal, kapok, agave/henequen, abaca/manila hemp, palmetto, flax/linen, hemp/burlap, jute, ramie, kenaf, coir, wool and cellulose fibres. 16. The filter of claim 15, wherein the mat comprises cotton. 17. A method of filtering exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a housing comprising a gas volume to an engine exhaust system outlet, the gas volume defining a larger cross-sectional gas flow area than the outlet and containing a mat of natural fibrous material; and passing said exhaust gases through said filter, whereby the exhaust gases are decelerated and cooled on entering the housing and gas volume such that water condenses from the exhaust gases to wet the mat and to permit the mat to operate in a wetted condition. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the exhaust gases passing through the mat are at a temperature of less than 80�� C. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the exhaust gases passing through the mat are at a temperature of between around 60 and 70�� C. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said mat is further wetted by at least one of lubricating oil and uncombusted fuel. 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the mat is pre-wetted. 22. The method of claim 20, wherein said mat is located at an end of an exhaust system spaced from the engine. 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the exhaust gases are from a diesel engine. 24. The method of claim 17, wherein the exhaust gases are passed through a plurality of mats. 25. A filter for exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine, the filter comprising an inlet for coupling to an engine exhaust system outlet and a housing comprising a gas volume containing a plurality of pre-wetted corrugated filter mats of natural fibrous material, said gas volume defining a larger cross-sectional flow area relative to the inlet, said gas volume configured to induce laminar flow of gas through the device and to induce deceleration and cooling of exhaust gases flowing into the housing and gas volume, said plurality of mats arranged within said housing so that exhaust gases will pass sequentially through each mat, said gas volume and said filter mats configured to cause water to be condensed from the exhaust gases whereby said condensed water wets said filter mats thereby allowing said mat to operate in a wetted condition. 26. A filter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cooling system adapted for cooling exhaust gases before the exhaust gases reach the mat. 27. The filter of claim 1, wherein said filter further comprises a conduit for coupling to an exhaust pipe outlet opening.