Engine aftertreatment recycling apparatus, and system and method using same

A method for operating an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• closing a downstream valve and closing an upstream valve of an exhaust gas system to form a closed gas recycling loop, wherein the downstream valve is located in an exhaust gas conduit of the exhaust gas system downstream of at least one aftertreatment component the upstream valve is located in the exhaust gas conduit between the at least one aftertreatment component and the internal combustion engine;
• and
• preheating the at least one aftertreatment component of the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine prior to starting the internal combustion engine by exposing the at least one aftertreatment component to heated gas circulating in the closed gas recycling loop, wherein the at least one aftertreatment component is located in the closed gas recycling loop.

A method for operating an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• preheating at least one aftertreatment component of an exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine prior to starting the internal combustion engine by exposing the at least one aftertreatment component to heated gas circulating in a closed gas recycling loop, wherein the at least one aftertreatment component is located in the closed gas recycling loop, and wherein preheating at least one aftertreatment component includes activating an electric heater in the closed gas recycling loop.