Development of a Novel Spiral Duct Particulate Matter Separator for Internal Combustion Engines

In compliance with the stringent BS-VI emission norms, control of particulate matter in diesel engine exhaust emission is currently achieved through diesel particulate filters, catalytic convertors, and baffle filters of various designs. In the present study a device comprised of a spiral duct with an increasing cross-sectional area over the length is designed and developed. The duct has a lining of heat-resistant and porous material fixed along the inside walls. The inlet of the devices is connected to the outlet of the tailpipe of the exhaust system. The device will collect the particulate matter in the heat-resistant porous lining along the walls of the spiral. The developed device is simple, economical and easily serviceable. The developed spiral duct particulate matter separator was tested on diesel vehicles, and the smoke density of tailpipe emission was measured in terms of the light absorption coefficient. During the analysis it was found that there is a reduction in light absorption coefficient by 25.37%. The developed design also overcomes the clogging problem of the exhaust system, which is a cause of backpressure in the case of conventional particulate filters. The design of the device is such that it can be easily retrofitted in the existing fleet of vehicles, making them compliant with stringent statuary emission norms.