METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING THE IGNITION CHARACTERISTICS OF A FUEL, IN PARTICULAR IN ORDER TO LOWER EXHAUST EMISSIONS OF COMBUSTION DEVICES

摘要

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the ignition characteristics of a fuel (3), using a unit which has at least one distribution zone (15), at least one oxidation zone and at least one conversion zone (10). Fuel (3) is distributed in the distribution zone (15) having a distribution structure (4), at least one portion of the fuel is oxidised in the oxidation zone (6) with at least one oxidising agent on at least one catalyst on a catalyst carrier, and at least one portion of the distributed fuel (3) and/or of another supplied fuel is thermally and/or catalytically converted in the conversion zone (10). The method is characterised IN THAT the ignition characteristics of the fuel are adjusted via the molar ratio of oxygen contained in the oxidising agent (2) to the oxygen required for the complete oxidation of the fuel (3) provided and/or via the pressure in the unit (1) and/or the dwell time and/or the temperature. According to a major embodiment, the ignition characteristics are controlled in such a way that exhaust emissions, in particular NOx and soot emissions, are lowered. The invention also relates to a device suitable for said method.