| abstract |
(57) [Abstract] A reactor that can be attached to the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine and oxidizes and burns carbon soot particles, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons. The reactor has a reaction zone that includes a porous heat retaining foam cell and is bounded by a porous heat retaining zone, which is then surrounded by a ceramic insulating material to minimize energy loss. Limit. Engine exhaust gas, which is hot and contains oxygen (air), enters the reaction chamber. The effect of heat transfer, enhanced heat radiation, energy trapping, and combustion of engine emissions provides a temperature sufficient to oxidize carbon soot particles, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons. Steam or atomized water droplets are introduced to improve the efficiency of the reactor by gasification, regasification, water shift reactions, methanation and hydrocracking reactions. Harmless products of the oxidation reaction, ie, H 2 O and CO 2 , are released from the reactor. |