The mechanism of DPF is filtering PM through a wall.
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DPF' mechanism is illustrated in the processes as follows: 1. As shown in the chart 1, the ends of alternate filter channels are plugged and the PM (Particulate Matter, mostly consist of black smoke, soot) in the exhaust gas is trapped as it is forced through the filter wall. 2. The accumulated PM inside the filter is periodically burned away by high-temperature exhaust heat. |
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One advantage of using silicon carbide is the ability to trap a high amount of PM.
Advantages of using silicon carbide (SiC) are (1) high heat resistance and (2) high thermal conductivity. DPF, however, is designed to burn the trapped PM using fuel, which can affect fuel economy. For this reason, the number of burnings must be reduced by trapping as much PM as possible and burning it all off at once.
SiC offers high heat resistance, and conducts heat quickly throughout the entire filter, which is effective when burning of accumulated PM.
The DPF developed by IBIDEN was equipped on over 6 million passenger cars in Europe.
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IBIDEN's SiC-DPF, commercialized ahead of world competitors, has been adopted by worldwide automobile makers for its superior properties, and the cumulative production and shipment of DPF exceeded 6 million units, in primarily European market. |
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DPF mounting rate of 30% (current European emission standards) > endlessly increase to 100% (future European emission standards)
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Current European emission standard is Euro 4, which requires large vehicles of more than 2000cc displacement to use DPF: DPF equipment rate in 2005 is assumed to be about 30%. On the other hand, according to emission standard of Euro 5, due 2009* (proposed), the regulated PM quantity reduces to 1/5 (versus Euro 4), thus requiring even compact cars to use DPF. This is, we speculate towards Euro 5, equipment rate of DPF will endlessly increase to 100%.
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 Chart 2 showing the progression of European emission standards for diesel cars. |
We go forward with the technology, which is one step ahead of others, in the DPF market expected for future expansion.
The filtration efficiency of our DPF already meets the next European emission standards,which is Euro 5. Furthermore, DPF for compact cars is restricted for mounting location, requiring downsizing DPF as well as strengthening against vibrations.
To comply with such requirements and minimizing fuel penalty, we continue developing and offering innovate DPF. At the same time, in addition to emission standards due 2007, US plans to introduce even stricter standards in 2010. Standards are being fortified not only in Europe but also in the USA and Asia, making DPF needs stronger.
Clean diesel engine is attracting attention in the USA as well as Japan together with hybrid cars. In addition to increased DPF equipment rate in Europe, world sales of diesel engine cars are growing. Accordingly, it is expected the DPF market will expand further in the future.
IBIDEN, as a leading company of DPF, will continue to propose forefront technologies while improving customer satisfaction.