Systems and methods for reducing emissions of internal combustion engines using a fuel processor bypass

A method for reducing emissions using a system having a fuel processor bypass comprising:

• introducing exhaust into an exhaust pipe, the exhaust pipe connected to a bypass pipe, wherein the bypass pipe comprises an inlet, an outlet, and defines a lumen adapted for the passage of gas therethrough, both the inlet and the outlet of the bypass pipe connecting with the exhaust pipe;
• introducing the exhaust into a NOx trap located downstream of the bypass pipe outlet, wherein the NOx trap comprises an inlet, an outlet, a NOx absorbing material, and defines a lumen for the passage of gas therethrough, whereby NOx in the exhaust are absorbed by the absorbing material;
• opening a valve located at the inlet or outlet of the bypass pipe to regenerate the NOx trap, such that the entire exhaust flows through the bypass pipe and then the NOx trap, wherein the valve is configured to move between an open and closed position;
• injecting fuel into the bypass pipe, upstream of a fuel processor located in the bypass pipe between the inlet and outlet, wherein the fuel processor comprises an inlet, an outlet, a catalytic element, defines at least one lumen adapted for the passage of gas therethrough and produces a reducing mixture comprised of CO and H2;
• and
• introducing the reducing mixture into the NOx trap, wherein the NOx trap is located downstream of the bypass pipe outlet;
• and
• closing the valve to cut the flow to the bypass pipe while maintaining the flow to the NOx trap.