Patent ID: 6474319
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: F02M

Abstract:
A system for reducing hydrocarbon deposits in an exhaust gas recirculation cooler in an internal combustion engine, comprising:an air intake; an internal combustion engine connected in fluidic communication with the air intake; an exhaust manifold connected in fluidic communication with the internal combustion engine; a hydrocarbon filter connected in fluidic communication with the exhaust manifold further comprising: a porous refractory substrate adapted to allow, fluidic communication therethrough; and a catalytic metal coating at least some of the pores; an exhaust gas recirculation cooler connected in fluidic communication with the hydrocarbon filter and connected in fluidic communication to the air intake; and a valve operationally connected in fluidic communication with ,the hydrocarbon filter and the exhaust gas recirculation cooler; wherein the exhaust manifold is adapted to emit exhaust gasses containing hydrocarbons when the engine is actuated; wherein the valve is adapted to control the fluid flow between the hydrocarbon filter and the exhaust gas recirculation cooler; wherein hydrocarbon-containing exhaust gasses exiting the exhaust manifold are routed through the hydrocarbon filter; wherein at least some of the hydrocarbons passing through the hydrocarbon filter are removed from the exhaust gas; wherein the filtered exhaust gasses exiting the hydrocarbon filter are circulated through the exhaust gas recirculation cooler and into the air intake for recirculation through the engine; wherein removing the at least some of the hydrocarbons from the exhaust gasses retards buildup of hydrocarbon residue in the exhaust gas recirculation cooler; wherein removal of the at least some of the hydrocarbons from the exhaust gasses reduces hydrocarbon emissions from the engine; and wherein hydrocarbons flowing through the coated pores are catalytically oxidized.