Particulate sensor system

The present disclosure relates to a self-regenerating particulate sensor, and more particularly, to a self-regenerating sensor capable of detecting particulates emitted from an exhaust gas. Incomplete combustion of heavy hydrocarbon compounds, such as heavy oils, diesel oil, and the like leads to particulate formation. In the operation of internal combustion engines, "smoking" of the engine leads to ambient air pollution although the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emission of the exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine itself are very low. It is, therefore, desirable to detect the formation of particulates in the exhaust of the engine and to provide an output signal that can then be used to indicate the presence of particulates and further to be used as a sensing or control signal, for example in a control loop, to automatically adjust air, or the supply of fuel for complete combustion and to prevent excess particulate formation. One embodiment of a particulate sensor system; comprises a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode in thermal and electrical communication with a heater wherein the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are disposed on the same side of an electrode substrate. One embodiment of a method for operating a particulate sensor system comprises introducing a gas stream to a sensor; monitoring the resistance between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, and increasing the temperature of the sensor when the resistance is greater than or equal to a first selected level. One embodiment of a method for operating a filter system comprises exposing a sensor to a pre-selected number of self-regeneration cycles, and increasing the temperature of the filter system.