CleanUp Technologies: Particulate traps

Particulate traps are expected to reduce particulate matter (Pm) by up to 95%. Some traps have a catalytic action which also realises up to 90% carbon monoxide and 90% hydrocarbon reductions by oxidation in the same way as an oxidation catalyst. Traps can also reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by around 10% compared to the baseline performance; this is thought to be effected by an increase of internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

The trap is a filter with a fine mesh. There is no problem in collecting the material - the "regeneration" of the trap poses the technical challenge. Carbon (soot) ignites at about 550 degrees centigrade. In normal operation this temperature would rarely be achieved in the exhaust pipe. Some traps use external means such as fuel burners or electrical heaters to raise the temperature to regenerate. In the UK, the two established heavy duty trap suppliers achieve a lower carbon ignition point (of around 260 degrees Centigrade) through catalytic action.

When the carbon burns, an ash residue is left which needs to be removed. This is a simple maintenance operation, with the maintenance interval varying depending on which type of trap is used and the type of vehicle operation.

TransportEnergy will provide a grant towards the Capital and the fitting cost of a particulate trap.

CleanUp runs projects to fit particulate traps to buses, medium and heavy duty goods vehicles, refuse trucks and fire tenders.