New Diesel Particulate Filter From Mann+Hummel

BY ROBERTA PRANDI Mann+Hummel has launched its new SintROC diesel par- ticulate filter (DPF) series specifically developed for nonroad applications with outputs ranging from 100.5 to 804.6 hp. Six filter sizes are available. The SintROC system includes the filter element and an entire regenera- tion system that can be retrofitted on industrial applications. The company explained that the new DPFs combine the advantages of the existing Mann+Hummel CRT and SMF-AR diesel particulate filters into one product. As with the CRT system, the SintROC regenerates continuously and fully automatically without machine downtime. For regeneration, the SintROC DPF requires an exhaust gas temperature higher than 716°F for just 10% of the operating time, offering an option for ap- plications with intermittent exhaust gas temperatures — similar to the SMF-AR. Mann+Hummel said the filter ele- ment has a high ash-holding capacity and can be easily cleaned with a steam cleaner. In addition, the SintROC has a

40 DIESEL PROGRESS NORTH AMERICAN EDITION December 2009
robust element that lasts the lifetime of the machine, said the company. The filter functions independently of the diesel sulphur content, and the company added that the SintROC enables higher engine performance with a simultaneous reduction of fuel consumption due to backpressure, when compared to ceramic filters. The filters have been tested accord- ing to the Mine Safety & Health Admin- istration (MSHA) standards. The tests, carried out at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, includ- ed a verification of the separation effi- ciency and established that the Mann+ Hummel systems with sintered metal filters separate 99% of the particulates. The new DPF reduces NO2 emis- sions by up to 70%, said the company. Mann+Hummel said this is an impor- tant aspect in underground mining, as the highly toxic NO2 gas frequently released by blasting operations togeth- er with the NO2 from mining vehicles can reach a critical level for miners. Mann+Hummel has also recently entered the market for diesel particu- late filter elements made of ceramic,
The new sintered metal diesel particulate filter, SintROC, by Mann+Hummel, was specifical- ly developed for nonroad applications with outputs ranging from 100.5 to 804.6 hp.

mainly for — but not limited to — auto- motive and on-road applications. Production at a pilot installation in Ludwigsburg, Germany, will begin at the end of 2009 with a manufacturing capacity around 60,000 filters per year. Large-scale production is planned for 2012. The company said it employed a new concept to produce its own ceram- ic DPF. Instead of the commonly used cordierite and silicon carbide, the new filter contains aluminum titanate, an aluminum and titanium ceramic oxide compound. This has a higher tempera- ture resistance than cordierite and does not expand as significantly as sil- icon carbide, said Mann+Hummel. With these properties, it is possible to produce a temperature-resistant one- piece filter. An amended type of paper compact air filter is used as a carrier medium for the new DPF. During pro- duction, Mann+Hummel utilizes ceramic- coated paper technology. Mann+Hummel said its product will offer, among other things, improved storage capacity for soot particles and will help reduce CO2 emissions through lower exhaust gas backpressure. As the shape and size of the filter depend only on the type of paper carri- er medium and coiling technique used, the new product will offer greater flexi- bility and additional opportunities, said Mann+Hummel. It will be possible to change the number and geometry of the filter channels more quickly and easily, so that conical channels and openings between the channels could be feasible. dp