The key to the acceptability of barrier filters for combustion exhausts is the ability of the filter to be regenerated, or cleared, of trapped particulates, such that exhaust back pressure remains low. Since soot is combustible as carbon, most regeneration methods attempt to oxidize the soot to CO2. Current regeneration methods rely on heating the filter element to the combustion temperature or on oxidation catalysts. These methods are not favored due to their hazardous nature and the potential for catalyst poisoning. It has been demonstrated that plasma very effectively cleans surfaces of oxidizable, organic substances. Oxidation occurs because the plasma creates oxygenating radical molecules. It is therefore proposed to demonstrate that plasma can be used to remove the deposited soot through oxidation. Constructing a ceramic filter containing electrodes that produce surface plasma when electrically energized will do this. Soot particles from combustion exhaust are thus removed by a ceramic filter, which would be subjected to periodic plasma exposures for soot removal
