Abstract: A device for collecting and burning particulates in exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine comprises: a casing having an inlet port and a discharge port for exhaust gases; at least one trapper of porous and heat resistant material disposed within the casing; and a plurality of electric heaters separately disposed a predetermined distance apart from each other on or adjacent to a surface of the trapper which confronts the inlet port and connected to a power source, each of said electric heaters having a predetermined heating area. This device effectively collects and burns particulates in exhaust gases with reduced amount of electric power.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements in method of and apparatus for reducing an emitted amount of particulates by collecting the particulates contained in the exhaust gas from a diesel engine by a trapper. According to the invention, firstly, an excess amount of the particulates which have adhered to the trapper is detected, and thereafter, temperature of the trapper being within a range of self-burning temperature of the particulates is detected. When necessity for regenerating the trapper is ascertained based on the both detections described above, the inlet side of the trapper is heated to a range of igniting temperature of the particulates, whereby a large igniting energy required for propagating combustion is accumulated. Thereafter, secondary air is supplied to the trapper to ignite the particulates, and combustion is propagated to the particulates being within the range of self-burning temperature thereof by the secondary air continuously supplied, to thereby regenerate the trapper.

Abstract: A beta-alumina polycrystal article permeable to sodium and potassium ions made by sintering .beta.-alumina and tantalum. The article evidences high corrosion resistance against sodium, potassium and their ions, and is especially useful as a solid electrolyte for a sodium-sulfur battery because of its excellent durability.