Apparatus and method for destructive removal of particles contained in

Abstract

An apparatus and method for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas containing the particles. In the specific embodiments disclosed the apparatus is adapted to remove carbon particles from diesel engine exhaust products. The exhaust products are directed to a predetermined location where they are rapidly vaporized and combine with oxygen in the exhaust products to form carbon dioxide. Vaporization in one embodiment is effected by a discharge grid 30 located within an exhaust conduit 22, the grid 30 being chosen so that alternate conductors 32 and 34 defining the grid 30 are spaced apart a distance approximately 125 times the mean diameter of the particles to be removed. A voltage differential of approximately 690 volts is applied across adjacent conductors 32 and 34. Presence of a diesel exhaust particle between these conductors 32 and 34 is sufficient to create an electric spark discharge enveloping the particle, thereby resulting in a rapid vaporization and oxidation of the particle. In a further embodiment, a filter 145 is provided in an exhaust conduit 146. A light beam from a pulse laser 148 is directed at the filter 145 via a light directing conduit 150 or an optical fiber bundle 168. The pulse laser 148 is triggered to generate a light beam when particle build up at an inner surface of the filter 145 reaches a predetermined level. The pulse laser 148 is chosen to have an output light beam having sufficient energy to vaporize carbon particles accumulated on the filter 145 surface.