Miratech develops silicon carbide element soot traps

Miratech Corp. has introduced CBS and MobiClean--two silicon carbide element soot trap product lines for diesel engines from 200 to 9400 hp that are adaptable to many common applications including power generation, marine propulsion and locomotives.

Both new Miratech soot trap products feature wall-flow, porous silicon carbide filters which provide superior thermal durability over metal fiber and cordierite filters. Stainless steel construction adds system strength, temperature resistance and insulation capability. In addition, easy maintenance access is designed into each product--CBS features side-access soot filter cleaning ports and MobiClean includes removable filter cassettes. Both product lines provide field-proven PM10 and 2.5 reduction, and both incorporate design from Swiss-based HUG Engineering, which is exclusively represented in North America from Miratech Corp.

"The unique compact design, heavy-duty construction and thermal resistance of both MobiClean and CBS provides a superior fine diesel particulate matter emission solution for a broad range of engines," said Bill Clary, Miratech vice president/sales, engineering and marketing. "Miratech's North American distributor network combined with our technical services capabilities provides the vital product support ingredient for this important product offering According to Miratech, most soot traps use engine exhaust heat to burn off, or oxidize, particulate matter in the diesel exhaust stream. This method, called passive regeneration, requires an engine exhaust temperature above 750[degrees] to 850[degrees]F to achieve oxidation. MobiClean provides the option of active regeneration, which is a method that does not depend on engine exhaust temperature in order to oxidize particulate matter. Because MobiClean utilizes duct burner technology, regeneration can occur at any engine load, which provides a real benefit for standby diesel generators that run unloaded the majority of the time.

MobiClean uses fewer components than other active regeneration methods, according to Miratech, but still achieves up to 99% soot reduction efficiency by actively regenerating particulate matter trapped on the surface of its silicon carbide filters. The particulate is regenerated by monitoring the back pressure on the engine and activating a diesel fuel duct burner to heat the exhaust, burn off soot accumulation and, thus, return back pressure to acceptable limits. Following regeneration, the soot leaves only a small amount of ash on the surface that can be blown or washed off during maintenance activities.

The company said that MobiClean's compact design provides active particulate regeneration for standby generator applications from 200 to 1600 hp. MobiClean can also be utilized on mobile application such as ships and locomotives. Because of its ability to attenuate sound, MobiClean may replace the need for an engine silencer or muffler in many cases. MobiClean meets PM regulations for South Coast Air Quality Management District (0.15 g/bph-hr) as well as for sub-micron PM considered carcinogenic.