Engine Exhaust Aftertreatment Aging

As emissions regulations tighten, understanding the aging behavior of aftertreatment systems is more critical than ever. This course provides a deep dive into the thermal, chemical, and physical deactivation mechanisms affecting gasoline and diesel catalysts. Learners will gain practical knowledge of catalyst design, aging diagnostics, and accelerated testing methods to extend system life and maintain compliance.

• Emissions and powertrain engineers working on catalyst design, testing, or compliance.
• Engineering students, ICE researchers, and technical professionals focused on emissions control.
• Managers and decision-makers responsible for aftertreatment system development and lifecycle planning.

Module 1 – Catalysis 101

Module 2 – Spark Ignited Gasoline Aftertreatment

Module 3 – Compression Ignition Diesel Aftertreatment

Module 4 – Catalyst Aging Mechanisms: Thermal

Module 5 – Catalyst Aging Mechanisms: Chemical

Module 6 – Catalyst Aging Mechanisms: Physical

Module 7 – Accelerated Aging – Gasoline Aftertreatment

Module 8 – Accelerated Aging – Diesel Aftertreatment

Scott Eakle

Mr. Eakle is experienced in engine exhaust aftertreatment research and development and integration of such systems with engine management systems. Project work has included the development, modeling, evaluation, and integration of various aftertreatment systems for both gasoline and diesel applications, including particulate filters, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), oxidation catalysts, as well as combined technologies such as SCR on filter. Mr. Eakle has derived numerous accelerated aging protocols for gasoline, CNG, and diesel aftertreatment devices that replicate real-world deactivation mechanisms. Modeling efforts include prediction of urea derived deposits in SCR systems. Mr. Eakle has commissioned numerous test stands capable of completing various forms of aftertreatment performance and durability studies. He has also set up controls on engines and burner systems to demonstrate accelerated aging of engine aftertreatment systems. Mr. Eakle also manages the division burner activities that cover aftertreatment durability testing and evaluations on SwRI’s ECTO-LabTM burner system. In addition to aftertreatment evaluation activities, Mr. Eakle is currently managing the Advanced Combustion, Catalyst and Aftertreatment Technologies (AC2AT) consortium. Mr. Eakle attended Colorado State University (CSU) where his research focused on a method to use non-thermal plasmas (NTP) in reducing NOx emissions for mobile and stationary lean burn engines. He has co authored many publications, received two SwRI Office of Automotive Engineering DMAC Mentor Awards and is a current member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.