Particulate filter overheat protection

摘要

A thermal fuse is installed in the exhaust flow path in or from a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a combustion engine. At a temperature corresponding to overheating, or imminent overheating, of the DPF, the thermal fuse is activated to generate a signal initiating steps to avoid overheating of the DPF, such as shutting down of the engine.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
monitoring a resistance of a thermal fuse, in which a body of fusible material is disposed and is open communicating unobstructively only at one end of a casing with exhaust, positioned in an exhaust flow path through or from a particulate filter; indicating degradation of the fuse in response to an increase in the resistance of the fuse to above a predetermined resistance; and flowing combusted exhaust gas from a diesel engine to the exhaust flow path, and flowing exhaust past the thermal fuse in an exhaust passage angled downward with respect to gravity, with the fuse positioned in a top portion of the angled exhaust passage with respect to gravity.