Abstract: An exhaust filtration system for filtering exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine may comprise a fan having an intake side and a discharge side and an air inlet operatively associated with the intake side of the fan. A filter having an inlet surface and an outlet surface is positioned adjacent the fan so that the inlet surface of the filter is positioned adjacent the discharge side of the fan. An influx tube connected to the internal combustion engine is positioned so that its outlet end is located adjacent the intake side of the fan, so that the fan draws in air from the air inlet and exhaust gases from the outlet end of the influx tube and discharges a mixture of air and exhaust gases from the discharge side and into the inlet surface of the filter.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine may comprise an EGR valve having an inlet end connected to the exhaust manifold of the engine and an outlet end connected to the inlet end of a heat exchanger. The outlet end of the heat exchanger is in turn connected to the inlet end of a filter assembly, the outlet end of which is connected to the intake manifold of the engine. A valve control system connected to the EGR valve selectively opens and closes the valve to direct cooled and filtered exhaust gases into the intake manifold of the engine. An intermittent water injection system may be connected to the inlet end of the heat exchanger and may be used to inject a predetermined quantity of water into the inlet of the heat exchanger at periodic intervals to remove accumulated soot deposits from the interior surfaces of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor for reducing pollutants in the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine includes a catalyst element and a heat shield exterior to the catalyst element. The heat shield and catalyst element are mounted within an exhaust pipe so that two annular insulation spaces exist between the catalyst element and the exhaust pipe. The first annular insulation space is located between the interior wall of the exhaust pipe and the exterior wall of the heat shield. The second annular insulation space is located between the interior wall of the heat shield and the catalyst element itself. A spring washer positioned between one end of the catalytic reactor and an axial retaining flange on the exhaust pipe allows the catalytic reactor to expand axially as it heats to operating temperature. A layer of ceramic material may be deposited on the exterior surface of the heat shield to further reduce heat transfer to the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A gas permeable filter element formed solely from filter material defines a substantially cylindrical inner filter element and a substantially cylindrical outer filter element joined together by an end filter element. The outer filter element is radially spaced and concentric with said inner filter element, so that the inner and outer filter elements define an annulus having an inlet end. A particulate laden gas stream directed into the open end of the annulus defined by the inner and outer filter elements passes through either the inner filter element, the outer filter element, or the end filter element.

Abstract: An improved exhaust treatment apparatus includes a particulate filter assembly connected to the exhaust system of a diesel engine for removing the solid particulate soot matter entrained in the engine exhaust. The particulate filter assembly includes a disposable low-temperature filter element that can be readily replaced when it becomes clogged. Heat insulated catalyst assemblies located upstream of the particulate filter assembly reduce the amounts of solid particulate matter and other gaseous pollutants in the engine exhaust. A self-cleaning exhaust gas heat exchanger located between the catalyst assemblies and the particulate filter cools the hot, catalyzed exhaust gases before they reach the low temperature filter element. The self-cleaning heat exchanger also includes an intermittent water injection system for periodically removing soot accumulations from the heat exchanger.