Scanning Electron Microscopic Time-lapse Visualization of Ash Movement During Regeneration of Diesel Particulate Filters

Abstract

A movement and oxidation behaviors of ash during partial oxidation of particulate matters (PMs) was investigated through time-lapse visualization utilizing a field-emission scanning electron microscope and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The fine primary ash particles consisted of elements such as zinc and phosphorus. The components of calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and sulfur were included in the large-scale ash particles. These ash particles were gradually moved as the PMs Cake layer shrunk during the regeneration of diesel particulate filters. In addition, ash particles distributed in PMs cake layer have contributed to an enhancement of oxidation rate of the PMs.