Diesel Emission Control in Review

Abstract

This summary covers the developments from 2007 in diesel regulations, engine technology, and NOx and PM control. Regulatory developments are now focused on Europe, where heavy-duty regulations have been proposed for 2013. The regulations are similar in technology needs to US2010. Also, the European Commission proposed the first CO 2 emission limits of 130 g/km, which are nearly at parity to the Japanese fuel economy standards. Engines are making very impressive progress, with clean combustion strategies in active development mainly for US light-duty application. Heavy-duty research engines are more focused on traditional approaches, and will provide numerous engine/aftertreatment options for hitting the tight US 2010 regulations. NOx control is centered on SCR (selective catalytic reduction) for diverse applications. Focus is on cold operation and system optimization. LNT (lean NOx traps) durability is quantified, and performance enhanced with a sulfur trap. LNCs developments are updated. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) technology is in a state of optimization and cost reduction. New DPF regeneration strategies are described as well as the new learnings on the fundamentals of soot/catalyst interaction and the impact of DPF pore structure. Finally an update on diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) is provided showing potential issues with advanced combustion strategies, important interactions on NO 2 formation, and new formulations for enhanced durability.