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Cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is effective in the reduction of in-cylinder formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). However, at conventional in-cylinder high temperature diesel combustion high load operating conditions, the engine-out exhaust emissions of particulate matter, which consists of smoke, soot and soluble organic fraction, tend to increase. As the EGR is applied at medium to high loads, therefore, the small carbonaceous particles and heavy hydrocarbons can deposit on the cool surfaces of EGR coolers mainly through a complex combination of thermophoresis, condensation, diffusion and turbulent impaction. Consequently, an insulation layer develops on the cooler surfaces and deteriorates EGR cooler function. As the deposits build up, the cooler effectiveness decreases and pressure drop increases thereby increasing the intake charge temperature. Consequently, the in-cylinder formation of NOx increases.