Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system is provided. The exhaust aftertreatment system includes a mixing arrangement for mixing flows of exhaust along a flow path. The mixing arrangement radially and angularly rearranges segments of two different portions of flow to mix the different portions of flow. The mixing arrangement initially converts a generally radially stratified temperature profile into an angularly stratified temperature profile to increase surface area between cool segments of exhaust gas and hot segments of exhaust gas. The aftertreatment system may also include a combustion chamber, a combustor housing and a combustor liner. The mixing arrangement is downstream from the combustion chamber to direct radially outward hot gas passing through the combustor liner and to direct radially outer cool gas passing between the liner and the combustor housing radially inward in an interleaving fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing particulates within an exhaust flow are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize a soot sensor that includes opposed electrodes separated by an insulator. Preferably, a gap is formed between the electrodes and the insulator to prevent electrical current from flowing therebetween. The soot sensor, when positioned in an exhaust flow, will accumulate a layer of particulates on an outer surface thereof. As the layer of particulates increases the particulates will bridge the two electrodes permitting current flow. The sensor is configured with a proper geometry and potential difference between the electrodes to generate currents in the milli-amp range. Further, the sensor is configured to have a regenerative effect that causes the bridge to be broken when particles sees to impinge the soot sensor.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filtering system that includes a filter configured to capture exhaust particulates from a diesel engine, a regeneration device configured to heat exhaust gases from the diesel engine prior to the exhaust gases reaching the filter, and a controller configured to control operation of the regeneration device, wherein the controller is further configured to turn the regeneration device on when a weighted average of a plurality of normalized parameter values exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Presented is a pre-filming fuel nozzle that is readily manufacturable and consists of a fuel injector, a nozzle insert that fits over the fuel injector outlet, and a housing that generally encloses the fuel injector and nozzle insert. The housing has an atomizing lip, a fuel inlet passage, and an air passage. The nozzle insert has openings near the fuel injector that allows air to flow into the insert. During operation, the fuel injector impinges fuel on an inner surface of the insert and is pulled towards the atomizing lip from air flow through the insert. The air flow through the insert and air flow through the housing join at the atomizing lip, resulting in air flows shearing fuel droplets off of the atomizing lip. The nozzle may have swirler means such as a swirler fin and/or swirler passages on the insert to aid in swirling the air flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing particulates within an exhaust flow are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize a soot sensor that includes opposed electrodes separated by an insulator. Preferably, a gap is formed between the electrodes and the insulator to prevent electrical current from flowing therebetween. The soot sensor, when positioned in an exhaust flow, will accumulate a layer of particulates on an outer surface thereof. As the layer of particulates increases the particulates will bridge the two electrodes permitting current flow. The sensor is configured with a proper geometry and potential difference between the electrodes to generate currents in the milli-amp range. Further, the sensor is configured to have a regenerative effect that causes the bridge to be broken when particles sees to impinge the soot sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine conditions of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) based on correlation between predicted and actual thermal data of the fluid exiting a DPF are provided. Soot loading, ash loading, and/or DPF damage may be detected, and DPF operational models may be calibrated in accordance with such systems and methods. Further, initiation of regeneration may also be effected in accordance with such systems and methods.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filtering system that includes a filter configured to capture exhaust particulates from a diesel engine, a regeneration device configured to heat exhaust gases from the diesel engine prior to the exhaust gases reaching the filter, and a controller configured to control operation of the regeneration device, wherein the controller is further configured to turn the regeneration device on when a weighted average of a plurality of normalized parameter values exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system is provided. The exhaust aftertreatment system includes a mixing arrangement for mixing flows of exhaust along a flow path. The mixing arrangement radially and angularly rearranges segments of two different portions of flow to mix the different portions of flow. The mixing arrangement initially converts a generally radially stratified temperature profile into an angularly stratified temperature profile to increase surface area between cool segments of exhaust gas and hot segments of exhaust gas. The aftertreatment system may also include a combustion chamber, a combustor housing and a combustor liner. The mixing arrangement is downstream from the combustion chamber to direct radially outward hot gas passing through the combustor liner and to direct radially outer cool gas passing between the liner and the combustor housing radially inward in an interleaving fashion.

Abstract: Presented is a pre-filming fuel nozzle that is readily manufacturable and consists of a fuel injector, a nozzle insert that fits over the fuel injector outlet, and a housing that generally encloses the fuel injector and nozzle insert. The housing has an atomizing lip, a fuel inlet passage, and an air passage. The nozzle insert has openings near the fuel injector that allows air to flow into the insert. During operation, the fuel injector impinges fuel on an inner surface of the insert and is pulled towards the atomizing lip from air flow through the insert. The air flow through the insert and air flow through the housing join at the atomizing lip, resulting in air flows shearing fuel droplets off of the atomizing lip. The nozzle may have swirler means such as a swirler fin and/or swirler passages on the insert to aid in swirling the air flow.