Platinum-based diesel particulate filters may have a much longer operational lifetime than previously thought, a new study indicates.

These systems are essential to reducing emissions and usually work with a platinum catalyst placed next to the filter, which removes soot and other dangerous particulates.

Although these can crack and fail under stress, the technology usually outlasts manufacturer warranties, according to researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and General Motors.

They established that the apparent elastic modulus of the filter ceramics to be almost an order of magnitude lower than industry-accepted values.

Andrew Wereszczak from ORNL commented: "The measurements indicate that while the filter is under thermally-induced strain, such as during regeneration, the actual internal stresses are much lower and mechanical reliability is much higher than manufacturer models have predicted in the past."

Platinum traps installed on diesel engines can cut microscopic exhaust particles that cause harm to the coronary system by 98 per cent, according to research published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Source:

DIESEL -- Greater expectations . . . (08/11/11) 

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