Kyocera Creates Innovative Sensing Element for Diesel Engines

Kyocera Corporation has reached a huge milestone with the development of a world-first sensing element that monitors soot filters in diesel-engine vehicles and withstands operating temperatures above 500°C without using platinum. The new product, which was awarded in the Green Innovation category at the CEATEC JAPAN 2015 trade show, makes use of a new base-metal alloy to withstand higher temperatures while cutting production costs and enabling to enhance air pollution from engine emissions.

With the ever-tightening environmental regulations, soot sensors are anticipated to become required for monitoring diesel engine emissions. Most of the sensing elements for soot sensors that are currently in development by other companies use platinum-made conductors, which can resist oxidation even at high temperatures. However, the problem is that, platinum can cause catalytic reactions with soot—and at extremely high temperatures, can cause the soot to burn. In a quest to solve this problem, Kyocera has created a new base-metal alloy to replace platinum in its new element, which the company intends to further develop, with samples to become available by January 2017.

Soot sensors measure the particulate level in diesel exhaust and spot cases in which soot emissions surpass regulatory limits. By informing the driver when the filter gets compromised, this sensing element can help minimize air pollution, thereby contributing to a cleaner environment through practical application. Apart from its high-temperature performance advantages, the new sensing element cuts costs by replacing platinum with Kyocera’s base-metal alloy.

Upcoming emission regulations are anticipated to mandate soot sensors as a vital component of diesel engine vehicles. Kyocera stays fully committed to employing its technology to address environmental issues and will constantly develop its sensing element to meet the industry’s needs.