Exhaust purification

Abstract

Abstract Exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine at super atmospheric pressure is cooled to its dew point at that pressure then is admixed with an aqueous aerosol comprising particles of water coated with an oleophilic surfactant and having an average particle size between 0.5 and 5 microns. The resultant mixture is expanded to reduce gas pressure to nearly atmospheric and reduce the temperature thereby condensing a significant fraction of water vapor in the initial exhaust mixture on the aerosolized particles. The resulting particles, have a size which permits their removal by centrifugation or equivalent means. The method is particularly effective in removing particulate matter and hydrocarbons in exhaust and can be used alone or in conjunction with means for removing nitrogen oxides.

Inventors

• 👤 Edward W Merrill

Bibliographic Details