Method and detailed analysis of individual hydrocarbon species from diesel combustion modes and diesel oxidation catalyst

An undiluted exhaust hydrocarbon (HC) speciation method, using flame ionization detector gas chromatographs, is developed to investigate HC species from conventional and low-temperature premixed charge compression ignition (PCI) combustion pre- and postdiesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) exhaust. This paper expands on previously reported work by describing in detail the method and effectiveness of undiluted diesel exhaust speciation and providing a more detailed analysis of individual HC species for conventional and PCI diesel combustion processes. The details provided regarding the effectiveness of the undiluted diesel exhaust speciation method include the use of a fuel response factor for HC species quantification and demonstration of its linearity, detection limit, accuracy, and precision. The listing of individual HC species provides not only the information needed to design surrogate exhaust mixtures used in reactor tests and modeling studies but also sheds light on PCI combustion and DOC characteristics. Significantly increased engine-out concentrations of acetylene, benzene, and toluene support the theory that net soot reduction associated with PCI combustion occurs due to the reduction of soot formation (as opposed to increased soot oxidation). DOC oxidation behavior differs depending on the combustion characteristics, which change exhaust species and temperature.