Structural Analysis of Ash Loaded in Diesel Particulate Filter

Abstract

Ash accumulation in a DPF affects the pressure drop across the DPF and reduces the accuracy of determining the pressure drop caused by the particulate matter loading. It is therefore important to determine the effect of ash on the pressure drop. Herein, we used a used DPF that was installed in a vehicle to investigate the ash distribution within the DPF. In addition, ash samples with different thicknesses were collected from the DPF and the pressure drop was measured across each sample. Furthermore, using scanning electron microscopy, we analyzed the micro structures of the ash layer at several points.