Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing the catalytic efficiency of exhaust components, particularly exhaust components used in heavy-duty diesel engine exhaust systems. The exhaust component typically has a plurality of elongate channels through which exhaust gases flow, the channels extending between a first end face and a second end face of the exhaust component. The method comprises causing an exhaust gas to flow through the exhaust component, and making measurements of a property of the exhaust gas before and after it has flowed through the exhaust component, wherein the flow of the exhaust gas through the channels is restricted such that the volume of the exhaust component through which the exhaust gas flows is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing the catalytic efficiency of exhaust components, particularly exhaust components used in heavy-duty diesel engine exhaust systems. The exhaust component typically has a plurality of elongate channels through which exhaust gases flow, the channels extending between a first end face and a second end face of the exhaust component. The method comprises causing an exhaust gas to flow through the exhaust component, and making measurements of a property of the exhaust gas before and after it has flowed through the exhaust component, wherein the flow of the exhaust gas through the channels is restricted such that the volume of the exhaust component through which the exhaust gas flows is reduced.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a ceramic wall-flow filter (1) for a vehicle exhaust system includes the steps of: a) providing a source (9) of heat energy suitable for heating material within the filter (1); b) applying heat energy from the source (9) to a first end (10) of the filter (1) to heat material within the filter; c) detecting infrared radiation (18) which has been emitted by heated material in the filter using a radiation detector (19) at the second end (11) of the filter (1) to form an image (24) of a pattern of emitted radiation, the pattern of emitted radiation providing an indication of the condition of the filter (1). Another aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in the method.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a ceramic wall-flow filter (1) for a vehicle exhaust system includes the steps of: a) providing a source (9) of heat energy suitable for heating material within the filter (1); b) applying heat energy from the source (9) to a first end (10) of the filter (1) to heat material within the filter; c) detecting infrared radiation (18) which has been emitted by heated material in the filter using a radiation detector (19) at the second end (11) of the filter (1) to form an image (24) of a pattern of emitted radiation, the pattern of emitted radiation providing an indication of the condition of the filter (1). Another aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in the method.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a vehicle exhaust system filter (1), the filter (1) having a first end (11) and a second end (10) and comprising a plurality of elongate channels (6) containing debris (19) to be removed, comprises the steps of: (i) providing a chamber (14) having an outlet in fluid communication with the first end (11) of the filter (1); (ii) covering the second end (10) of the filter (1) to hinder fluid flow out of the second end of the filter; (iii) introducing a flow of liquid into the chamber (14); (iv) stopping the flow of liquid into the chamber (14) when the chamber and channels (6) of the filter are substantially filled with liquid; (v) introducing a pulse of compressed gas into the chamber (14), and (vi) uncovering the second end (11) of the filter (1) to allow the gas to force said debris (19) and liquid (17) out of the second end (10) of the filter (1). The invention also provides apparatus for use in the method.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a vehicle exhaust system filter (1), the filter (1) having a first end (11) and a second end (10) and comprising a plurality of elongate channels (6) containing debris (19) to be removed, comprises the steps of: (i) providing a chamber (14) having an outlet in fluid communication with the first end (11) of the filter (1); (ii) covering the second end (10) of the filter (1) to hinder fluid flow out of the second end of the filter; (iii) introducing a flow of liquid into the chamber (14); (iv) stopping the flow of liquid into the chamber (14) when the chamber and channels (6) of the filter are substantially filled with liquid; (v) introducing a pulse of compressed gas into the chamber (14), and (vi) uncovering the second end (11) of the filter (1) to allow the gas to force said debris (19) and liquid (17) out of the second end (10) of the filter (1). The invention also provides apparatus for use in the method.