Plasmatron fuel converter-catalyst systems for aftertreatment of diesel vehicle emissions

Improvements in diesel engine aftertreatment technology are needed to meet future environmental quality goals, Systems using recently developed compac t plasmatron fuel converters in conjunction with aftertreatment catalysts c ould provide new opportunities for obtaining significant pollution reductio ns. Use of compact plasmatron reformers to produce hydrogen-rich gas for th e regeneration of NOx absorber/absorbers and particulate traps could provid e significant advantages. Catalyst requirements are determined and overall system characteristics are evaluated. The options made possible by use of o nboard hydrogen generation for regeneration of catalysts are briefly descri bed. Recent tests of conversion of diesel fuel to hydrogen-rich gas using a low current plasmatron fuel converter with non-equilibrium plasma features are described.