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Current and future diesel engine oil categories have specifications that impose limits on SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulfur) levels that help to minimize accumulation of ash in the DPF originating from oil consumption in the engine. Metallic species in the oil formulation, mostly from detergents and anti-wear additives, have a significant impact on ash behavior when subjected to high temperatures during active regeneration of the filter. Certain compounds in the oil, especially derivatives of ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate), interact with filter substrate and sinter at temperatures that the DPF is exposed to during active regeneration. This phenomenon of sintering or ‘ash wetting’ leads to ash-bridges in the DPF that result in reduction of soot storage capacity, higher back-pressure and possibly reduced active surface area for catalytic conversion of engine-out emissions.

While metal fiber filters have successfully shown a high degree of particle retention functionality for various sizes of diesel engines with a low pressure drop and a relatively high filtration efficiency, little is known about the effects of lubricant-derived ash on the fiber filter systems. Sintered metal fiber filters (SMF-DPF), when used downstream from a diesel engine, effectively trap and oxidize diesel particulate matter via an electrically heated regeneration process where a specific voltage and current are applied to the sintered alloy fibers. In this manner the filter media essentially acts as a resistive heater to generate temperatures high enough to oxidize the carbonaceous particulate matter, which is typically in excess of 600°C.