Abstract: An exhaust-gas system has an exhaust-gas pipe for guiding an exhaust-gas flow and an injection nozzle mounted to the exhaust-gas pipe for injecting reducing agent into the exhaust-gas flow. Downstream of the injection nozzle, the exhaust-gas pipe branches into at least two exhaust-gas lines. A fluid divider, formed with a front face that faces upstream into the gas flow, is disposed between the injection nozzle and the branching. The front face is oriented with respect to the cross section of the exhaust-gas pipe and the injection nozzle, such that the exhaust-gas flow and the medium are divided among the exhaust-gas lines in a predefined dividing ratio.

Abstract: Provided is an exhaust system of a multi-cylinder engine capable of increasing the air-intake and thereby increasing the engine output with a simple configuration. The exhaust system is provided with low velocity-side passages 54, high velocity-side passages 53, a low velocity-side collection part 56, a high velocity-side collection part 57, and a flow passage area variable valve 58 capable of changing the flow passage area of the respective high velocity-side passages 53.

Abstract: The problem is to regenerate the purification ability of an exhaust gas purification device more reliably or efficiently in an exhaust gas purification system that combines a plurality of branch passages branch off from an exhaust gas passage and exhaust gas purification devices. When the purification ability of an exhaust gas purification device is regenerated, in the branch passage where the exhaust gas purification device is provided whose purification ability is to be regenerated, the opening angle of an exhaust gas flow volume control valve is set to the minimum opening angle that can reliably transport a reducing agent that is added from a reducing agent addition section. While the opening angle is maintained, the reducing agent is added. After the addition of the reducing agent is complete, the opening angle of an exhaust gas flow volume control valve is closed completely.

Abstract: An exhaust chamber (34) for a motorcycle is disposed at a location upstream of a muffler (36) of an exhaust passage (38) leading from a combustion engine (E). The exhaust chamber (34) includes a chamber body (40) having expansion compartments (41, 42, 43) defined therein, a chamber outlet pipe (46) having an outlet passage defined therein for discharging the exhaust gases (G) from the chamber body (40), and an exhaust control valve (72) disposed in the chamber outlet pipe (46) for adjusting the sectional area of the outlet passage inside the chamber outlet pipe (46).

Abstract: An improved exhaust stack for use with commercial vehicles such as semi-truck tractors. The improved exhaust stack includes an outer tubular portion that, if desired, can be chrome plated; an inner tubular portion that is coaxially aligned with the outer tubular portion and cooperates there with to define an annular shaped flow passageway; and a venturi tube section mounted within the upper extremity of the outer tubular portion, the venturi tube section being in communication with the inner tubular portion and with the annular shaped flow passageway.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine include at least two exhaust-gas treatment modules. An exhaust gas stream can be at least partly deflected depending on a load state of the internal combustion engine in such a way that at least parts of the exhaust gas flow through one or more modules. This makes it possible to advantageously construct and operate even an exhaust gas system of large-volume internal combustion engines, in which conversion and treatment of the exhaust gas is carried out in individual modules, even in no-load operation, basically at very low exhaust gas mass flow rates. The individual modules can be adapted to various load levels of the internal combustion engine. A rail-borne vehicle and a water-borne vehicle having the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method measuring at least one parameter related to the blood of a subject, by emitting light with at least one emitter at least one wavelength within the spectral range of 380 980 nm toward a body part containing at least one wavelength. Spatially resolved reflectance measurements are obtained by capturing light reflected by the body part with at least one reflectance detector. At least one of the absorption coefficient and the reduced scattering coefficient of the blood component of the body part at each of the wavelengths is extracted from the measurements. The temporal derivatives of the at least one of the absorption coefficient and the reduced scattering coefficient is extracted, and at least one blood related parameter is calculated using the temporal derivatives.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas conduit configured to receive and to deliver exhaust gas to a downstream exhaust treatment device. An injector bay extends outwardly from the exhaust gas conduit upstream of the exhaust treatment device and an exhaust fluid injector mounts through an opening in the injector bay and is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and oriented in an upstream direction to deliver an exhaust fluid to the exhaust gas in the upstream direction. An exhaust flow baffle extends outwardly from the injector bay and into the exhaust gas in an upstream direction. The exhaust flow baffle is located upstream of the exhaust fluid injector and is configured to define a turbulent, low pressure velocity field downstream thereof and proximate to the exhaust fluid injector.

Abstract: A movable wall member, in form of an exhaust valve spindle (1) or a piston (7) for an internal combustion engine, comprises a base portion (17, 20) of an alloyed steel having a carbon-content in the range from 0.15 to 0.35% by weight, and an outer portion (14, 5) forming the surface of the wall member facing a combustion chamber. The outer portion is of a hot-corrosion-resistant alloy, which is nickel-based, chromium-based or cobalt-based. At least one buffer layer (18, 21) of an alloy is located in between the base portion and the outer portion. The alloy of the buffer layer is different from the alloyed steel of the base portion and different from the hot-corrosion-resistant alloy of the outer portion. The alloy of the buffer layer comprises from 0% to at the most 0.09% C in percent by weight of the buffer layer, and that the buffer layer has a thickness of at least 1.5 mm.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a motorcycle provided with a multicylinder engine, includes an exhaust aggregating member for unifying a pair of exhaust passages, through which an exhaust gas exhausted from the engine is transported to a muffler, so as to form a single exhaust passage therein. The single exhaust passage is connected to the muffler without being merged with another exhaust passage. The exhaust system also includes an exhaust control valve incorporated into the exhaust aggregating member and capable of changing sectional area of the single exhaust passage formed in the exhaust aggregating member.

Abstract: An exhaust diffuser for a truck includes a chamber mountable on a truck exhaust stack pipe. The chamber has a cross sectional area much greater than the cross sectional area of the exhaust pipe, and has a dispersing element disposed in the line of exhaust flow to divert exhaust gases laterally into the chamber volume. One or both of the top and front side walls are formed as a mesh or screen to allow the dispersed exhaust gases to flow outward away from the truck cab in a diffused area.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an exhaust dilution and dispersion device for a vehicle can include a generally elongate tailpipe including an inlet section capable of being in exhaust receiving communication with an exhaust system of a vehicle. The tailpipe further includes an outlet section in exhaust receiving communication with the inlet section. The outlet section can also include a downwardly directed exhaust deflection portion and an exhaust outlet in exhaust dispersing communication with the surroundings external to the device. The exhaust outlet can include a generally elongate exhaust dispersion opening extending in a lengthwise direction along the tailpipe. At least a portion of the exhaust outlet can be coextensive with the downwardly directed exhaust deflecting portion and a major portion of the exhaust dispersed from the outlet can have a transverse component.

Abstract: At regeneration control while a vehicle mounting an internal combustion engine (10) is parked, both an exhaust throttle valve (13) and an exhaust brake valve (18) are used and if a catalyst temperature index temperature (Tg2) is lower than a predetermined first determining temperature (Tc1), first exhaust gas temperature rise control is conducted that the exhaust brake valve (18) is set to a fully closed side and multiple injection is carried out in in-cylinder fuel injection control, while if a catalyst temperature index temperature (Tg2) is equal to the predetermined first determining temperature (Tc1) or above, second exhaust gas temperature rise control is conducted that the exhaust brake valve (18) is set to an open side, the exhaust throttle valve (13) is set to the fully closed side, and post injection is carried out in the in-cylinder fuel injection control.

Abstract: A smart exhaust gas flow control apparatus comprises at least a control unit, a solenoid valve, a vacuum auxiliary storage tank, a valve located on an auxiliary exhaust pipe, a sensor set and an operation interface. The control unit receives control commands from the operation interface to control opening and closing of the valve to select an exhaust gas path according to requirements to discharge exhaust gas, thus can avert traffic jam caused by too slow of vehicle speed and can adjust exhaust gas flow amount according to different road conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a flow distributor for use to maximize the efficiency and working life of a catalytic converter. The flow distributor is configured such that it directs the gas flow in the center of the exhaust gas stream to the periphery of the gas stream thereby resulting in a more uniform velocity flow pattern.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying device for an internal combustion engine, provided with a swirl generating means for generating a swirl which has a strong swirl force and applying reduced resistance to the swirl. A swirl generating device for generating a swirl which has a strong swirl force and applying reduced resistance to the swirl is also provided. An exhaust gas purifying device (100) for an internal combustion engine is provided with an exhaust pipe (1), a reduction catalyst (2), a reducing agent supply means (3), and a swirl generating means (40). The swirl generating means (40) has two blades (410, 420) formed by dividing a substantially elliptic plate into two in the direction of the major axis thereof. The two blades (410, 420) are integrated together such that the two blades are rotated relative to each other about the minor axis of the plate so as to cross each other, and the two blades are mounted such that the direction of the major axis is parallel to the direction of flow of exhaust gas.

Abstract: Temperature control devices have become common to cool the exhaust stream from a diesel particulate filter before release into the environment. To further cool the filtered exhaust stream and to protect the temperature control device, a duct can be used to surround the inlets of the temperature control device. The duct has a head section surrounding the inlets at one end and a base section extending from the head section with a vent at the other end. Ambient air is drawn through the vent into the duct and into the inlets of the temperature control device to further cool the filtered exhaust stream.

Abstract: A system for removing particulates from the exhaust gas of a vehicle internal combustion engine, particularly during those times that the emission of such particulates into the atmosphere would be of greatest danger to persons in the vicinity of the vehicle, includes a valve connected to the vehicle exhaust manifold for normally directing exhaust to the atmosphere, when in the non-activated condition. The valve directs exhaust to a particulate filter, when in the activated condition. Starting of the engine activates the valve for a predetermined period of time. The valve optionally is GPS-controlled and can be disabled manually or automatically by a switch, which detects the backpressure in the exhaust system. An exhaust pressure sensor monitors the exhaust backpressure, and a circuit device responsive to the exhaust pressure maintains the valve continuously in the non-activated condition, when the exhaust backpressure reaches a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of directing flow of exhaust gas includes directing a first portion of the flow through a first flow path and directing a second portion of the flow through a second flow path. A temperature of at least a portion of the flow in the first flow path is increased, and the flow in the first flow path is sent through a filter. The first and second portions of the flow downstream of the filter to are combined form a combined flow. The combined flow is maintained within a predetermined range of temperatures, and the combined flow is directed to a catalyst.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine cylinder head is based upon a one-piece structure including a number of exhaust runners, an exhaust collector, and a turbocharger exhaust turbine housing, all formed as one-piece.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system is provided. The system may include a particulate trap configured to remove one or more types of particulate matter from an exhaust flow, the exhaust flow including at least a portion of a totality of exhaust gases produced by an engine. The system may further include a burner assembly configured to increase a temperature of gases in the exhaust flow at a location upstream from the particulate trap. The burner assembly may include an exhaust inlet oriented in a direction along a first axis and configured to direct the exhaust flow into the burner assembly and an exhaust outlet oriented in a direction along a second axis at an angle relative to the first axis, the exhaust outlet being configured to direct the exhaust flow out of the burner assembly toward the particulate trap.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cooling system for an engine includes an exhaust gas conduit having an inner tube defining an exhaust gas passage and an exhaust coupler surrounding the inner tube and defining a cooling water passage together with the inner tube therebetween, and a water-lock coupled with a downstream end of the exhaust gas conduit through an exhaust gas conduit coupling section which extends from an upstream end of the water-lock. The exhaust gas conduit coupling section and the exhaust coupler are coupled with each other and the inner tube extends into the interior of the water-lock. A downstream end part of the inner tube can be formed to be a wide portion having a bell mouth configuration. A diameter of the downstream end part becomes larger as a portion thereof exists closer to the end of the downstream end part. The exhaust gas cooling system for the engine can be provided for a water vehicle.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system includes an exhaust conduit for conveying exhaust gases from an engine of a vehicle. An aftertreatment device is disposed in the exhaust conduit. A flow device is disposed upstream of the aftertreatment device. The flow device includes a base having a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface. The base defines a plurality of openings. A plurality of flow deflectors is engaged to the base at the plurality of openings. Each flow deflector includes a first deflector that extends outwardly from the first surface of the base and a second deflector that extends outwardly from the second surface of the base. The first and second deflectors define a passage. Flow of exhaust gases through the passage cause exhaust gases to swirl about a longitudinal axis of the exhaust conduit.

Abstract: A plant for treating pollutants contained in the exhaust gases of an internal-combustion engine includes an exhaust line (10) with an oxidation catalyst (12), a selective catalytic reduction catalyst (16) including a chemically active porous body and an injector (54) for injecting a reducing agent into the exhaust line. The selective catalytic reduction catalyst (16) includes at least one chemically inert passage (42) for the exhaust gases flowing therethrough and a shut-off (44) controlling access of the gases to the passage.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold may include a manifold body and a flange. The manifold body may include a first tube that forms an exhaust gas inlet. The flange may be coupled to the manifold body and may fix the manifold body to an engine. The flange may include a first aperture having first and second portions located along an axial extent of the first aperture. The first portion may extend to a first end surface of the flange and the second portion may extend to a second end surface of the flange. The first portion may have a first radial width that is less than a second radial width of the second portion. The second portion may receive an end of the first tube therein. The first tube may be fixed to the flange at a location within the first aperture between the first portion and the second end surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust system (1) for an internal combustion engine (3) having at least one exhaust gas line (2) that carries exhaust gas and having an injection device (4) for spraying a liquid into the exhaust gas line (2). Downstream from the injection device (4) a vaporizer device (7) which has at least one tubular sheet metal body (8) downstream from the injection device (4), said sheet metal body extending in the longitudinal direction of the exhaust gas line (2) and causing an improved vaporization of the liquid sprayed into the exhaust gas line. In addition, at least one clamp device (12) which is designed like a spring is provided, securing the vaporizer device (7) in the exhaust gas line (2) and/or bracing it elastically against the exhaust gas line.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas pipe, a first fluid flows in a flow direction in the pipe, and a second fluid is injected inside the pipe by a nozzle, from an injection inlet arranged in the pipe wall, according to an injection direction. A mixing device fastened inside the pipe upstream from the injection inlet creates turbulence that helps the mixing of the fluids. The mixing device has a first portion located on the injection inlet side of the pipe and a second portion located opposite the injection inlet side of the pipe, the portions being designed so that the fluid velocity is higher downstream from the mixing device second portion than downstream from the mixing device first portion. An aqueous solution of urea can be injected inside an exhaust pipe of a diesel engine.

Abstract: A system and method for treating exhaust gasses from an engine is described. In one example, the exhaust gasses are routed from the engine to atmosphere through a helical exhaust passage. The helical exhaust passage includes a plurality of spatially separated exhaust passages that separates the exhaust flow into separated smaller flows, wherein the smaller flows are re-introduced into a common passage and re-combined to form a single exhaust flow, and wherein the plurality of spatially separated exhaust passages induces a helical flow pattern within the re-combined exhaust flow.

Abstract: A flow diffuser for vehicles of the type having an engine and an exhaust pipe generally includes a substantially tubular body having an outer surface and a first end configured for attachment to an exhaust pipe. The flow diffuser further includes a diffusion portion including at least one channel having a root end located near the outer surface, an exit port, and a channel axis extending between the root end and the exit port, the channel increasing in flow area along the channel axis to reduce exhaust gas velocity.

Abstract: An exhaust collector system for discharging a flow of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The exhaust collector system includes a plurality of primary headers having their discharge portions merged together at a merge angle into a substantially oval or obround-shaped manifold outlet, and a substantially-round secondary pipe having a pipe inlet with a diameter greater than the diameter of the primary headers. The exhaust collector system also includes an oval-to-round collector flowtube which has a substantially oval- or obround-shaped collector inlet that is coupled with the manifold outlet and a substantially-round collector outlet that is coupled with the pipe inlet. The collector flowtube has a constant circumference along its entire length and a transverse cross-sectional area that continuously increases from the collector inlet to the collector outlet to cause a continuous expansion of the flow of exhaust gases.

Abstract: An aftertreatment module for use with an engine is disclosed. The aftertreatment module may have a plurality of inlets configured to direct exhaust in a first flow direction into the aftertreatment module. The aftertreatment module may also have a mixing duct configured to receive exhaust from the plurality of inlets, and a branching passage in fluid communication with the mixing duct. The branching passage may be configured to redirect exhaust from the mixing duct into separate flows that exit the aftertreatment module in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction.

Abstract: A thermal energy thermal energy containing arrangement for an exhaust gas purification device incorporated in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine is provided. The purification device has an inlet port through which exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine can flow in and an outlet port through which the treated exhaust gas can flow out.

Abstract: An engine exhaust aftertreatment system including a mixer disposed in the exhaust stream. The mixer includes a mesh section having a mesh of wires and may include a baffle section having a deflector that redirects a direction of flow of the exhaust stream. The mesh section may not extend across an entire width of an exhaust conduit containing the exhaust stream. The mesh section may also be sized and located to intersect the reductant introduced by the injector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, more preferably of a road vehicle, with a housing enveloping at least one interior space, and with at least one through-pipe penetrating the interior space without interruption and which at two fastening points distant from each other is connected to the housing in a fixed manner. For compensating thermally related expansion effects the through-pipe between the fastening points can comprise at least one expansion compensation section, in which a wall of the through-pipe comprises slits penetrating the wall alternating in circumferential direction and strips protruding relative to adjacent wall sections of the through-pipe.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a two-cycle engine includes an exhaust conduit having both a bypass port and a regulator port for discharging exhaust gases to atmosphere. The bypass port has a fixed size but the regulator port has a variable size that varies over the range of engine speeds. Within a low range of operating speeds, the regulator valve is at least partly closed. Within a mid range of operating speeds, the regulator valve is progressively opened with increases in the operating speed. Within a high range of operating speeds, the regulator valve is progressively closed with further increases in the operating speed.

Abstract: Structure for guiding exhaust gas flow to an exhaust gas sensor in exhaust gas purification device installed in an exhaust passage, wherein a plurality of exhaust gas purification units is disposed in series in a container, the exhaust gas sensor is installed between the exhaust gas purification units and guide plates/pipes direct the exhaust gas flowing to the sensor to increase the exhaust gas sensor's responsiveness.

Abstract: A mixing device comprises a circular disc of fin sections positioned so as to create openings in the inner and outer regions of the mixing device that generate oppositely rotating flows of exhaust gas. Each fin section may be identical, and may be created by a stamping process. The smooth surface of each fin section reduces creases, and thus, is less prone to urea buildup.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating an engine exhaust system. In one example, a system comprises a first valve, and a second valve coupled to the first valve via a shaft. A first position of the shaft situates the first valve closed and the second valve open, a second position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a first amount, and a third position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a second, larger amount.

Abstract: A variable muffler may include a housing, a plurality of chambers formed by partitions in the housing, an inlet pipe connected to at least a chamber for flowing exhaust gas into the housing, an outlet pipe connected to at least a chamber for discharging the exhaust gas having flowed into the housing to the exterior, an inner pipe for directly communicating between at least two chambers in the housing so that the exhaust gas of the inlet pipe is communicated to the outlet pipe therethrough, and a variable valve that is disposed downstream of the inner pipe and of which opening amount is continuously adjusted according to pressure of exhaust gas passing through the inner pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatic control of the exhaust pressure of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An engine waste gas treatment method and apparatus is disclosed to install an ozone generator in a motor vehicle and electrically connect the ozone generator to the power circuit of the motor vehicle and to connect a shunt pipe between the zone generator and the exhaust pipe of the motor vehicle so that when the motor vehicle is started, the ozone generator starts to generate ozone that is guided by the shunt pipe into the exhaust pipe of the motor vehicle to mix with exhausted engine waste gas, decomposing volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: An EGR system for an engine that includes an exhaust gas recirculation conduit in fluid communication with an exhaust line and an intake port is provided. A cooler is fluidly positioned along the exhaust gas recirculation conduit and in fluid communication with the exhaust line and the intake port. A valve is fluidly positioned along the exhaust gas recirculation conduit and in fluid communication with the exhaust line and the intake port. The valve includes an electronic solenoid controlled hydraulic actuator operable to control the valve, and the actuator includes a position feedback sensor to detect a position of the valve.

Abstract: An exhaust mixer (16) is provided for use in an engine exhaust system (10) downstream from an additive injector (14). The mixer (16) includes eight vanes (20), with four of the vanes (20A) extending from a first side (22) of the mixer (16) and arranged in an equally spaced circumferential array around a central axis (24), and the other four of the vanes (20B) extending from an opposite side (26) of the mixer (16) and arranged opposite from the other four vanes (20A) in an equally spaced circumferential array. The vanes (20) include embossed ribs (60) and mount flanges (64).

Abstract: An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A two-wheeled motor vehicle (10) provided with a throttle grip (25) rotated by the driver to change the degree of opening of a throttle valve (31), and also with an exhaust valve (34) which, when a throttle ratio which is a ratio of the angle of operation of the throttle grip to the maximum rotation angle of the throttle grip is between zero and a predetermined value, reduces noise emitted from an engine.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a vehicle with an engine that includes an exhaust system through which exhaust gas is discharged from the engine. A heat exchanger is positioned at least partially within the exhaust system. Coolant flow passages are provided in thermal communication with the engine and with the heat exchanger. A bypass valve is operable in a first mode to direct the exhaust gas across the heat exchanger along a first flow path to transfer exhaust heat to the coolant flow passages, and is further operable in a second mode to direct at least a portion of the exhaust gas across the heat exchanger along a second flow path to transfer exhaust heat to the coolant flow passages in a second coolant heating mode. The second flow path is restricted relative to the first flow path. A method of managing exhaust heat recovery is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a reductant decomposition system. According to one representative embodiment, the reductant decomposition system includes an exhaust gas chamber including an inlet and outlet. The system also includes a first exhaust gas distribution component positioned within the chamber and communicable in exhaust gas receiving communication with the outlet. The first exhaust gas distribution component causes swirling exhaust gas flow patterns within the exhaust gas chamber. Additionally, the system includes a second exhaust gas distribution component positioned within the chamber and communicable in exhaust gas providing communication with the inlet. The second exhaust gas distribution component includes features that cause a swirling exhaust gas flow pattern within a space defined by the second exhaust gas distribution component. Further, the system includes a reductant injector coupled to the exhaust gas chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balance pipe assembly for a vehicle exhaust system including at least a pair of exhaust pipes or pipe shaped portions, and a further pipe or pipe shaped portion extending between the exhaust pipes or pipe shaped portions so as to act as a balance pipe. The assembly further includes at least one of the exhaust pipes or pipe shaped portions including means adapted to reduce the pressure of exhaust gasses passing there through at a position downstream of the balance pipe or pipe shaped portion.

Abstract: An engine control, and in particular a method for controlling an engine including a low-pressure exhaust gas recycling loop. The method adjusts a predetermined engine operating parameter by controlling the position of an exhaust gas recycling valve, which is placed in the loop, for determining whether the predetermined measured quantity of the valve respects a predetermined criteria, and controls the position of an exhaust shutter, which is arranged outside the loop, when the quantity does not respect the criteria.

Abstract: A system is provided for inerting a volume in a vehicle has at least one exhaust gas extraction point on at least one internal combustion engine of the vehicle, and exhaust gas line for routing exhaust gas from the exhaust gas extraction point to the volume, and at least one exhaust gas inlet on the volume for introducing exhaust gas to generate a low-activity environment in the volume. Precisely in vehicles with internal combustion engines, using exhaust gas for inerting a volume makes it possible to suggest an especially simple, cost-effective and robust solution to guard against the formation of an ignitable mixture in the volume or the like.