Apparatus for sensing particulates in a gas flow stream
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorShi-Wai S. Cheng
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A particulate sensor for sensing the presence of particulates in a gas flow stream is disclosed. The particulate sensor includes a housing having a flow divider to provide a first flow path and a second flow path. A heater is disposed and configured to provide uniform heating of the two flow paths. A first temperature sensor is disposed in the first flow path downstream of the heater. A second temperature sensor is disposed in the second flow path downstream of the heater. A fine filter is disposed within the second flow path and is configured to trap carbonaceous particulates.
Claims15
A particulate sensor for sensing the presence of particulates in a gas flow stream, the particulate sensor comprising:
- a housing having a flow divider to provide a first flow path and a second flow path;
- a heater disposed and configured to provide uniform heating of the two flow paths;
- a first temperature sensor disposed in the first flow path downstream of the heater;
- a second temperature sensor disposed in the second flow path downstream of the heater;
- and
- a fine filter disposed within the second flow path, the fine filter configured to trap carbonaceous particulates.
An exhaust system for a diesel powered vehicle, comprising:
- a diesel particulate filter (DPF) disposed to receive diesel exhaust;
- a particulate sensor disposed downstream of the DPF, and
- a control device disposed in signal communication with the particulate sensor;
- wherein the particulate sensor comprises:
- a housing having a flow divider to provide a first flow path and a second flow path;
- a heater disposed and configured to provide uniform heating of the two flow paths;
- a first temperature sensor disposed in the first flow path downstream of the heater;
- a second temperature sensor disposed in the second flow path downstream of the heater;
- and a fine filter disposed within the second flow path, the fine filter configured to trap carbonaceous particulates;
- and
- wherein the control device is configured to provide an onboard diagnostics signal in response to a temperature differential sensed by the two temperature sensors exceeding a defined threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.