Abstract: A method of operating a fuel reformer includes advancing a first air/fuel mixture having a first air-to-fuel ratio into the fuel reformer. The method further includes determining if a soot purge is to be performed and generating a purge-soot signal in response thereto. Further, a second air/fuel mixture having a second air-to-fuel ratio is advanced into the fuel reformer in response to generation of the purge-soot signal. The second air-to-fuel ratio is greater than the first air-to-fuel ratio in order to burn soot present within the fuel reformer. A fuel reformer system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An emission abatement system comprises a plurality of NOX traps positioned in a parallel flow arrangement, a desulfurization agent supplier for supplying a desulfurization agent, a valve arrangement for directing flow of the desulfurization agent and internal combustion engine exhaust gas between the NOX traps, and a controller. The controller is used to control operation of the desulfurization agent supplier and the valve arrangement to desulfurize the NOX traps. An associated method is disclosed.