Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system including a housing with two or more inlets configured to receive separate entering exhaust streams from an engine. The system may include two or more first exhaust treatment devices, each configured to receive one of the separate entering exhaust streams in a first direction. The system may further include two or more redirecting flow passages configured to combine the separate exhaust streams into a merged exhaust stream that flows in a second direction about 180 degrees from the first direction and an intermediate flow region configured to divide the merged exhaust stream into two or more separate exiting exhaust streams. The system also may also includes two or more second exhaust treatment devices, each configured to receive one of the separate exiting exhaust streams in a third direction about 90 degrees from the second direction.

Abstract: Systems and method for adjusting a cone angle of injected reductant directed into an engine exhaust upstream of a catalytic device based on the temperature distribution within the catalytic device are disclosed. In one particular example, a dosing unit comprising an adjustable piston is described whose adjustment further controls the distribution and amount of reaction fluid delivered therefrom. In this way, the fluid flow shape may be controlled to achieve a more optimal exhaust gas conversion based on the prevailing conditions within the exhaust gas system.

Abstract: A system is described for producing an elevated exhaust temperature and reduced NOx output for an engine. The system includes an internal combustion engine having a common rail fuel system, an exhaust pressure modulation device for the internal combustion engine, and a controller structured to functionally execute operations for elevating the exhaust temperature and reducing the NOx output. The controller determines a desired engine outlet exhaust temperature, an engine speed, and an engine load. In response to the desired engine outlet exhaust gas temperature, the engine speed, and the engine load, the controller determines an exhaust pressure increase command and a fuel injection command including at least one post-injection event. The common rail fuel system is responsive to the fuel injection command, and the exhaust pressure modulation device is responsive to the exhaust pressure increase command.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for dosing an urea-based reducing agent into a exhaust gas stream generated from a combustion engine and addressed to an aftertreatment system, e.g. SCR or SCRT system. According to the method of the invention the gas exhaust stream is conveyed into a dosing housing which develops along a longitudinal axis. In particular the gas is conveyed by generating an annular inlet jet inclined with respect of said axis. The urea-based reducing agent is injected by generating, inside the housing, an urea-based reducing agent spray which is preferably coaxial to said axis of the housing.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a lean burn internal combustion engine comprises a particulate filter (CSF), a first NOx absorbent (NOx(1)) disposed upstream of the filter and a second NOx absorbent (NOx(2)) disposed downstream of the filter.

Abstract: A system includes an internal combustion ignition engine with an exhaust gas flow, a particulate filter in the exhaust gas flow, a NOx reduction catalyst in the exhaust gas flow downstream of the particulate filter, a first oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust gas flow downstream of the NOx reduction catalyst, and a second oxygen sensor coupled to the exhaust gas flow between the particulate filter and the NOx reduction catalyst. A controller includes an exhaust conditions module that interprets a first oxygen signal from the first oxygen sensor and a second oxygen signal from the second oxygen sensor and a combustion control module that commands a high engine-out air-fuel ratio when the first oxygen signal indicates a low oxygen content and commands a low engine-out air-fuel ratio when the first oxygen signal indicates a high oxygen content.

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 method of diagnosing an ammonia slip catalyst device is provided. The method includes: computing a delta between a first temperature and a second temperature; evaluating the delta based on an efficiency threshold; and generating a fault notification based on the evaluating.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber and an aftertreatment system. A method for reducing NOx emissions in the powertrain includes monitoring an actual exhaust gas feedstream ratio of NO2 to NO, monitoring a desired exhaust gas feedstream ratio of NO2 to NO, comparing the actual and the desired exhaust gas feedstream ratios of NO2 to NO, and selectively initiating a NO2 generation cycle based upon the comparison of the actual and the desired exhaust gas feedstream ratios of NO2 to NO comprising injecting fuel mass into the combustion chamber after a primary combustion event.

Abstract: A system for controlling regeneration in an after-treatment component comprises a feedback module, an error module, a gain module, and a regeneration control module. The feedback module is configured for determining a rate of change of the value of a controlled parameter. The error module is in communication with the feedback module and is configured for determining a value of an error term by subtracting a value of a target parameter from the value of the controlled parameter. The gain module is configured for determining a value of a proportional gain factor by raising a mathematical constant “e” to the negative power of the value of a tuned gain exponent and for determining a value of a derivative gain factor by multiplying the value of the proportional gain factor by a tuning factor. The regeneration control module is configured for determining a value of a rational control increment.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust passage configured to receive exhaust from a combustion engine, a heat exchanger disposed within the exhaust passage, and a reductant supply fluidly connected to the heat exchanger, the reductant supply including methane. The exhaust system also includes a first catalyst fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and configured to receive methane from the reductant supply via the heat exchanger. The exhaust system further includes a second catalyst disposed within the exhaust passage and configured to receive the exhaust from the combustion engine via the heat exchanger. The exhaust system also includes a clean-up catalyst disposed within the exhaust passage and configured to receive a combined flow. The combined flow includes the exhaust and the methane exiting the first catalyst.

Abstract: An engine control system includes a dosing control module and an offset determination module. The dosing control module actuates an injector to inject a first amount of reducing agent into exhaust gas produced by an engine during a period when a temperature of the exhaust gas is greater than a predetermined temperature threshold. The offset determination module determines an efficiency of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) material based on measured amounts of nitrogen oxide (NOx) during the period and expected NOx amounts, wherein the measured amounts of NOx are measured at locations upstream and downstream from the SCR material, and wherein the expected NOx amounts are based on the temperature of the exhaust gas and the first amount of reducing agent.

Abstract: A device for supplying liquid reducing agent for an exhaust gas treatment device, includes at least a tank with an interior in which reducing agent can be stored, an intake in the interior, a delivery device situated in a separate chamber in a tank bottom of the tank, a line leading from the delivery device to the exhaust gas treatment device and passing through the tank bottom at the separate chamber, and a cleaning layer covering the intake. An intermediate space is formed between the intake and the cleaning layer and contains at least one sponge element which can absorb reducing agent and from which the delivery device can extract reducing agent through the intake. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.

Abstract: In one example, a system is provided, comprising an exhaust reductant injector upstream of a mixer. The mixer includes a plurality of concentrically smaller rings interconnected via fins having a width varying in a flow direction, the fins arranged annularly, and with a first set of fins between a first pair of adjacent rings angularly offset from a second set of fins between a second pair of adjacent rings, the first and second pairs of rings sharing one common ring. In this way, it is possible to atomize, redirect, and mix the exhaust flow over a short distance to effectively react with NOx in a downstream SCR catalyst.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling regeneration of an SCR catalyst. The method includes coordinating the regeneration duration and temperature (e.g., longer/shorter regenerations and/or lower/higher temperatures) to the urea deposit loading. In this way, improved regeneration may be achieved due to the particular nature of urea deposits on SCR catalysts.

Abstract: A reductant delivery unit for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles includes a fluid injector having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet receives a source of urea solution. An injector flange is coupled directly with an end of the fluid injector and has a flange outlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the fluid injector. The flange outlet is associated with an exhaust gas flow path upstream of a SCR catalytic converter with the fluid injector controlling injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. Internal surface structure that defines the flange outlet includes a conical surface joined with at least one radius surface. The radius surface is constructed and arranged to resist formation of deposits on the internal surface structure due to break down of the urea solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for mounting an injector to an exhaust pipe. The device includes an injector mounting structure having an exterior surface configured for mounting the injector. The injector mounting structure also includes an interior surface arrangement defining an interior volume and a port for allowing the injector to inject a reductant into the interior volume. The interior surface arrangement is configured to prevent swirling of exhaust within the interior volume.

Abstract: A device for the aftertreatment of exhaust gases in an exhaust gas system of internal combustion engines, having at least one reductant decomposition catalyst. Arranged in the exhaust gas flow, and a metering device arranged upstream of the latter in an exhaust gas line for supplying reductant. Preferably at least one other catalyst device is provided downstream of the reductant decomposition catalyst. An inlet section for the exhaust gas having at least one flow deflection area is arranged upstream of the reductant decomposition catalyst and constructed for the exhaust gas to be fed into a housing radially outside an inlet pipe adjoining the reductant decomposition catalyst that encloses the inlet pipe, and is guided in counterflow through a front inlet opening of the inlet pipe to the reductant decomposition catalyst. The reductant is fed into the flow deflection area associated with the inlet opening.

Abstract: Modification of reductant (e.g., diesel exhaust fluid, DEF) tank location, for example during vehicle up-fitting may result in less than optimal operation of the DEF system due to inaccurate DEF system calibration. In one example approach, the above issue can be at least partially addressed by adjusting control system parameters for system control and diagnostics based on an input indicative of, or any modification to, the DEF tank location. In this way, DEF tank location flexibility is maintained, while also maintaining emission control and diagnostic accuracy.

Abstract: The reduction of a NOx trap upon engine shutdown is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises adjusting a timing of creating a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap based upon the determined engine stop position. The creation of a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap may help to at least partially reactivate the lean NOx trap during engine shutoff.

Abstract: A method of regenerating a particulate filter that includes an electric heater is provided. The method includes determining a location of particulate matter that remains within at least one region of the particulate filter based on a regeneration event being extinguished; and selectively controlling current to a zone of a plurality of zones of the electric heater to initiate a restrike of the regeneration event based on the location of particulate matter.

Abstract: An oscillation signal is generated to oscillate the air-fuel ratio with a set frequency which is different from a 0.5th-order frequency (half of the frequency corresponding to a rotational speed of the engine). Air-fuel ratio perturbation control is performed to oscillate the air-fuel ratio according to the oscillation signal. An intensity of the 0.5th-order frequency component and the set frequency component contained in the detected air-fuel ratio signal are calculated. A determination parameter applied to determining an imbalance degree of air-fuel ratios corresponding to the plurality of cylinders is calculated according to the two intensities and determines an imbalance failure that the imbalance degree of the air-fuel ratios exceeds an acceptable limit. A predicted imbalance value, indicative of a predicted value of the imbalance degree, is calculated, and an amplitude of the oscillation signal is set according to the predicted imbalance value.

Abstract: An object is to provide a diesel engine that eliminates discomfort when an operator of a working, machine coupled to the diesel engine is at work while a particulate filter is being regenerated. A diesel engine includes an exhaust emission purifier and selecting means capable of selecting any one control method from isochronous control and droop control. The exhaust emission purifier includes a particulate filter and a pressure regulation valve. The particulate filter is disposed along an exhaust stream to purify exhaust gas. The pressure regulation valve is configured to apply a load onto the diesel engine so as to raise a temperature of the particulate filter so that a particulate accumulable in the particulate filter is forcibly removed and that the particulate filter is regenerated. The selecting means is configured to select the isochronous control to control the diesel engine when the load is applied by the pressure regulation valve.

Abstract: A method and system for raising the operating temperature of an emissions control device of an automotive vehicle. A generator converts the vehicle's mechanical braking energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy is delivered, without electrical storage, to an electric heater that heats either the emissions control device or the exhaust gas at the input to the device.

Abstract: A purification system for variable post injection in LP EGR, the system includes a turbo charger disposed downstream of a diesel engine, a DPF (catalyzed particulate filter) disposed downstream of the turbo charger, a NOx reduction apparatus disposed upstream or downstream of the DPF, a bypass line diverged from the DPF for mixing exhaust gas and air inflowing the turbo charger, a exhaust gas control portion disposed downstream of the DPF for controlling flowing of the exhaust gas and a lean/rich controlling portion for controlling lean/rich of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine has an engine off condition. The exhaust gas treatment system includes particulate filter (“PF”) device in fluid communication with an exhaust gas conduit, an electric heater, a primary energy storage device, a plurality of secondary energy storage devices, and a control module. The PF device has a filter structure for removal of particulates in the exhaust gas, and is selectively regenerated based on an amount of particulates trapped within the filter structure of the PF device. The electric heater is disposed upstream of the filter structure and is selectively energized to provide heat for regeneration of the PF device. The plurality of secondary energy storage devices are selectively connected to the primary energy storage device. The secondary energy storage devices selectively energize the electric heater.

Abstract: A method for predicting sulfur oxides (SOx) stored at a denitrification (DeNOx) catalyst may include calculations of the mass flow of SOx poisoned at the DeNOx catalyst, the mass flow of SOx released from the DeNOx catalyst, and the SOx amount poisoned at the DeNOx catalyst by integrating the value obtained by subtracting the released mass flow of SOx from the poisoned mass flow of SOx. An exhaust system using the method may comprise an engine having a first injector, an exhaust pipe, a second injector mounted at the exhaust pipe and injecting a reducing agent, a DeNOx catalyst mounted at the exhaust pipe and reducing SOx or nitrogen oxides (NOx) or both contained in the exhaust gas by using the reducing agent, and a control portion electrically connected to the system and performing the calculations and controls.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purification of exhaust gases for the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine, with an exhaust gas channel which is made multi-flow in a specified region and has several component exhaust gas lines, and with a metering device by means of which a specified amount of a reducing agent can be metered into the exhaust gas channel in the region upstream from the catalytic converter arrangement at specified times. According to the invention, a metering channel which branches off from the single metering device is assigned to each of the component exhaust gas lines, and a specified proportion of the amount of metered reducing agent can be supplied to each component exhaust gas line via the metering channels.

Abstract: A control system includes a temperature module that determines a temperature of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, a derivative module that determines a derivative of the temperature, and a dosing module that regulates a dosage of a reductant supplied to the SCR catalyst to regulate an engine out NOx level. A control module generates control signals based on the temperature derivative, wherein the control signals regulate an amount of reductant accumulated within the SCR catalyst to reduce reductant release from the SCR catalyst during thermal transients.

Abstract: A method for operating a particle filter that filters particles contained in the exhaust of motor vehicle combustion engines. A conditioning step is performed such that the separation efficiency of the particle filter for particles is increased relative to the value existing in the new condition.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention an exhaust gas after treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas conduit configured to transport exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to exhaust treatment devices of the exhaust gas treatment system. A controller in signal communication with the exhaust gas aftertreatment system is configured to monitor the temperature of a selective catalytic reduction device, wherein the controller is operable to move a valve assembly to an open position when the selective catalytic reduction device is at or above an operating temperature and to move the valve assembly to a closed position when the selective catalytic reduction device is below the operating temperature for entrainment of NOx constituents from the exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding seat for mounting a thermally impacted pipe on a structural part so as to be axially movable, in particular in an exhaust gas system of a combustion engine, with a bearing material which is radially supported against pipe on the outside thereof and which is fixed on structural part via a retaining pipe fastened on structural part.

Abstract: An injector for injecting a reagent includes an axially translatable valve member positioned within a housing. An electromagnet is positioned within the housing and includes a coil of wire positioned proximate the valve member such that the valve member moves between a seated position and an unseated position relative to an orifice in response to energizing the electromagnet. A capillary tube is provided to convert liquid reagent to an ambient pressure vapor and supply it to the orifice.

Abstract: A diesel exhaust treatment system for treating exhaust gas from a diesel engine comprises at least one diesel particulate filter, at least one diesel exhaust fluid mixing chamber and at least one selective catalytic reduction converter (SCR). In one desirable embodiment, plural diesel particulate filters are arranged in parallel and plural SCRs are arranged in parallel. These components including the diesel exhaust fluid mixing chamber can be included in a common housing with the exhaust flow reversing directions a plurality of times as it passes through the treatment system from an exhaust inlet to an exhaust outlet. The housing can be coupled to one vehicle frame rail with most of the housing and components contained therein positioned outside the outer surface of the one frame rail.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine system having a sensor coupled to an exhaust gas recirculation system in a motor vehicle. One example method comprises during a first operating condition, directing at least some exhaust gas from an exhaust of the engine through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor to an intake of the engine and, during a second operating condition, directing at least some fresh air through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling an exhaust gas treatment system includes measuring a quantity of fuel used by the vehicle during a defined time period of a regeneration event, and estimating a quantity of particulate matter being burnt from a particulate filter during the defined time period to define a particulate matter burn rate. The quantity of fuel used is compared with the calculated particulate matter burn rate to define a regeneration fuel efficiency ratio. The regeneration fuel efficiency ratio is compared to a minimum regeneration fuel efficiency rate to determine if the regeneration event is an efficient use of fuel or is not an efficient use of fuel. The regeneration event is stopped prior to an estimated completion of the regeneration event when the comparison of the regeneration fuel efficiency ratio to the minimum regeneration fuel efficiency rate indicates that the regeneration event is not an efficient use of fuel.

Abstract: Control methods for regenerating particulate filter and an apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with and configured to receive exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, and a particulate filter assembly in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and configured to receive exhaust gas flowing therethrough. The particulate filter assembly includes a particulate filter to remove particulates from the exhaust gas, a heater device disposed near a front face of the particulate filter, to supply heat for regeneration of the particulate filter after shut-off of the internal combustion engine, and an air pump to input air into the particulate filter to transfer the supplied heat from the heater device to the particulate filter.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device for an engine has a filter in an engine exhaust passage, a diesel oxidation catalyst upstream of the filter, and a control unit which effects combustion using the catalyst to perform Active Regeneration of the filter by injecting fuel when no contribution is made to combustion in a combustion chamber when the quantity of particles collected in the filter reaches a predetermined quantity, or is less than the predetermined quantity and an elapsed time from the last filter reconditioning reaches a predetermined time. In the control unit, a mixing quantity of the fuel in oil at Active Regeneration and an evaporation quantity of the fuel from the oil are calculated, whereby a mixing ratio of the fuel in the oil is calculated, and the predetermined time or an engine operation mode is adjusted such that the mixing ratio does not exceed a prescribed control value.

Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, an engine controller that activates a heater of an exhaust gas sensor after an output of a particulate matter sensor exceeds a threshold value after an engine is started.

Abstract: A vehicle has an exhaust aftertreatment system including an LNT. The vehicle operates through a series of ignition cycles, deNOX cycles, and deSOX cycles. DeNOX operations begin when the LNT reaches a loading threshold. The applicable threshold depends on operating conditions, such as mean LNT temperature and mean exhaust flow rate. The thresholds are adapted based on NOX removal efficiency data. The data is compared to target values. The target values depend on the operating condition range, but remain fixed while the thresholds are adapted. NOX removal efficiency is measured over intervals corresponding to entire deNOX cycles. The data is sorted into bins according to operating conditions. The adaptations are only made if a bin has several data points accumulated over a minimum interval that is at least one ignition or deSOX cycle, preferably several. The method provides stable adaptations that compensate for aging.

Abstract: A method for operating an exhaust-gas system of an internal combustion engine having at least one particle separator and a catalytic converter, includes at least the following steps: a) carrying out processes in the internal combustion engine with lambda control about a control value; b) identifying a regeneration process of the particle separator; c) determining an oxygen demand for the regeneration process of the particle separator; and d) adapting the lambda control by the defined oxygen demand for a time period of the regeneration process of the particle separator. A motor vehicle having a spark-ignition engine and being suitable for carrying out the method, is also provided.

Abstract: An electrically heated catalytic device includes an electrically heated catalyst accommodated in an outer casing provided on an exhaust pipe. A heater ring made of an insulating material is provided adjacent to an outer peripheral edge portion of an upstream end face of the electrically heated catalyst. The heat of the electrically heated catalyst is transferred to the heater ring by generating resistive heat in the electrically heated catalyst. When the soot in exhaust gas accumulates on the surface of the heater ring, the deposits of soot is removed through combustion by the heat from the surface of the heater ring.

Abstract: An engaging groove (47) with which a gasket (42) is engaged is provided in each of a front side projecting portion (44) and a rear side projecting portion (46) formed in a filter accommodating cylinder (37) to be positioned on an outer peripheral surface (44A, 46A) of each projecting portion (44, 46). Therefore, when the gasket (42) latches on each of the projecting portion (44; 46) to be fitted thereon from an outside, the gasket (42) can be engaged with the engaging groove (47) provided in each of the projecting portions (44, 46). In consequence, at the time of mounting and removing the filter accommodating cylinder (37), the falling-off of the gasket (42) can be prevented, and, for example, an inspection operation, a cleaning operation and the like of an accommodated particulate matter removing filter (41) can be easily performed.

Abstract: A method of controlling an exhaust treatment system, comprising: selectively determining a first control state from a plurality of control states based on an exhaust temperature and a plurality of activation temperatures; estimating a reductant dose based on the control state; and controlling an injection of a reductant to the exhaust treatment system based on the reductant dose.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine wherein an exhaust purification catalyst and a hydrocarbon feed valve are arranged downstream in an exhaust passage. A first NOX purification method, which removes NOX by making a concentration of hydrocarbons that flows into the exhaust purification catalyst vibrate within predetermined amplitude and period ranges and a second NOX purification method which utilizes an adsorption action of NOX to the exhaust purification catalyst are used. A high pressure exhaust gas recirculation system (HPL) causing recirculation of high pressure exhaust gas and a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation system (LPL) causing recirculation of low pressure exhaust gas are provided.

Abstract: A reagent injector control system includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) control module and an injector driver module. The PWM control module monitors current through a reagent injector during an injection control cycle, generates a PWM signal based on an amount of reagent to be injected during the injection control cycle, and at least one of selectively increases and selectively decreases a duty cycle of a PWM signal during the injection control cycle based on the current. The injector driver module selectively enables and disables the current based on the PWM signal. The reagent injector opens and injects a reagent into an exhaust system based on the current. The exhaust system receives exhaust output from an engine. The reagent reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Abstract: A method for controlling ammonia generation in an exhaust gas feedstream output from an internal combustion engine equipped with an exhaust aftertreatment system including a first aftertreatment device includes executing an ammonia generation cycle to generate ammonia on the first aftertreatment device. A desired air-fuel ratio output from the engine and entering the exhaust aftertreatment system conducive for generating ammonia on the first aftertreatment device is determined. Operation of a selected combination of a plurality of cylinders of the engine is selectively altered to achieve the desired air-fuel ratio entering the exhaust aftertreatment system.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system and a regeneration control method thereof is configured to determine whether a regeneration condition of particulate filter is satisfied through vehicle information to regenerate the particulate filter until particulate matter has reached a predetermined reference amount by increasing temperature of exhaust gas when a regeneration condition is satisfied, to maintain temperature of lean NOx trap in a range of a predetermined reference temperature when regeneration of the particulate filter has reached the predetermined reference amount, to provide desulfurization performed to the lean NOx trap during rich burn, and regeneration where the particulate matter during lean burn is removed according to engine being controlled to drive such that lean burn and rich burn are repeatedly and alternately performed, and to control engine to drive by a normal burn when the desulfurization of the lean NOx trap and the regeneration of the particulate filter are completed.

Abstract: A flexible line element (14), for an exhaust system (4) of an internal combustion engine (1), especially of a motor vehicle, includes a metal bellows (15), which is corrugated in a ring-shaped or helical pattern and through which an exhaust gas stream (8) can flow. The risk of deposition of urea and/or urea derivatives in the metal bellows (15) is reduced by a conical flow guide body (16), through which the exhaust gas stream (8) can flow, and which tapers in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas stream and which protrudes into an inlet area (17) of the metal bellows (15). The flexible line element (14) is combined with the flow guide body (16) integrated therein.