Abstract

A method and apparatus for regenerating a catalyzed particulate filter in the exhaust stream of a combustion source (particularly a diesel engine) are provided that do not necessitate excessive heating of the exhaust stream flowing from the combustion source. During regeneration the intake air is supplied in a pulsed manner, preferably but not necessarily, to less than all of the cylinders of the engine so that the combined engine exhaust carries sufficient "fuel", primarily in the form of a carbon monoxide and a hydrocarbon fraction, that will be catalytically oxidized thereby generating an exotherm. Due to the liberation of heat during that carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon oxidation above the light-off temperature of the filter, the particulates stored by the filter will be ignited and burned cleaning and regenerating the filter.