J.R.D. Thieringer, A. K. Watzek, J. Meyer, A. Dittler

Aerosol Science & Technology, 2022, Vol, 56, No. 8, 744-756, https://doi.org/10.1080/02786826.2022.2073192 (open access)

Ash and soot particles are generated during engine combustion and are deposited in particulate filters. In order to understand the basic processes that occur in a particulate filter during the filtration process the particles have to be generated quickly and replicably. In this study, fundamental investigations are conducted on the generation of ash particles independently of an engine to produce a defined aerosol. The formation of ash particles from engine oils with differences in sulfate ash content (SAC; 0.7%, 2.6%, 4.5%) as well as the variation of process parameters (oil temperature, nozzle volume flow) are investigated. The ash particles are produced by nebulizing engine oil and a subsequent thermal conversion in a furnace. The SAC of the oil does influence the ash particles that are generated. With the increase of the SAC, the ash mass flow and the number weighted median diameter increase. Raising the nozzle volume flow as well as the oil temperature leads to an increase in total number concentration and mass flow of the ash particles. The number median diameter of the oil mist and ash particles decrease with the increase of oil temperature and nozzle volume flow. For the fast loading of a particulate filter, the SAC of the oil should be 4.5%. The oil temperature and nozzle volume flow should be set at 30 °C and 6 L·min^-1. In conclusion, the ash generation method can be used for the rapid loading of a particulate filter.