Non-Nuclear Energy

Cermet Materials, Self-Cleaning Cermet Filters

Related Patents:  6918941 ; 7022647 ; 7,470,393 ; 7,468,089

Contact: David R. Anderson

Phone: (208) 526-0837

E-mail:  Send E-mail

Emissions from vehicles, such as heavy-duty engine vehicles, contribute greatly to pollution in the United States. Heavy-duty vehicle emissions produce ozone, particulate materials, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions can cause adverse health effects such as premature mortality, aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, chronic bronchitis, changes to lung tissues and structures, and altered respiratory defense mechanisms, among other things. INL researchers have developed a strong porous intermetallic-ceramic composite filter that not only filters particulates but reduces undesirable gaseous pollutants. It eliminates the need to heat the filter, is self-cleaning so it does not plug up with particulate matter, and does not require coating with other materials for functioning.