Visual Study of In-Situ EGR Cooler Fouling Layer Evolution

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a major technology to reduce NOx from diesel engines for future emission standards. The implementation of EGR coolers has been a common methodology to provide engine in-cylinder NOx reduction. However, EGR cooler fouling is a common problem. The particulate matter in exhaust tends to form a deposit layer on the wall of the heat exchangers. This effect leads to a reduction of thermal effectiveness of the heat exchangers resulting in insufficient EGR cooling and subsequently higher engine NOx emission.This paper utilized a unique test rig offering visible and infrared optical access to the deposit layer in a simulated diesel EGR cooler to study the evolution of the layer from fresh to heavy deposit. A 460μm thick deposit layer was built during a 37 hour exposure. Time lapse videos were taken provide visual in-situ evidence for the investigation of the layer thickness development and morphology change during the deposition. The layer growth tended to stabilize from about 22 hours of deposition. The shear force exerted by the gas flow moves surface particles of 20μm in diameter or larger. This could contribute to the stabilization phenomenon.Copyright © 2014 by ASME