Southwest Research Institute

Gordon J Bartley

Cynthia Chaffin Webb

Bruce Bruno Bykowski

Magdi K Khair

Christopher Alan Sharp

Melvin Nathaniel Ingalls, Jr

John Thomas Kubesh

James J Cole

Jack A Smith

Daniel James Podnar

Andy Morris Anderson

Brent A Shoffner

The present application relates in general to an apparatus and to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions. The application provides a novel swirl plate and a novel fuel injector which enable the burner to run stoichiometric for extended periods of time.

Method and apparatus for testing catalytic converter durability

A method for accelerated aging of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions incorporating cold start simulations.

System and method for burner-based accelerated aging of emissions control device, with engine cycle having cold start and warm up modes

A method for simulating at least one drive cycle of a vehicle using a non-engine based test system, the method including providing a non-engine based test system including a combustor in fluid communication with a catalytic converter from the vehicle; supplying fuel and air to said combustor at an air to fuel ratio (AFR) and under conditions effective to produce a feedstream flowpath; substantially stoichiometrically combusting at least a portion of the fuel in the feedstream flowpath under conditions effective to simulate at least one drive cycle of the vehicle and to produce a simulated drive cycle exhaust product for the vehicle, the conditions being effective to prevent substantial damage to the combustor; and, collecting and analyzing the simulated drive cycle exhaust product.

Method for drive cycle simulation using non-engine based test system

The present application relates in general to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions.

Method for testing catalytic converter durability

A method and apparatus for accelerated aging of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions incorporating volatilized oil consumption.

Method for accelerated aging of catalytic converters incorporating injection of volatilized lubricant

A method for accelerated aging of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions incorporating cold start simulation.

Method for accelerated aging of catalytic converters incorporating engine cold start simulation

A method for controlling diesel engine emissions is disclosed. The diesel engine's exhaust system has a NO oxidation catalyst, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and a lean NO trap (LNT). The DPF is monitored to determine the need for regeneration. The LNT is monitored to determine the need for regeneration or desulfurization. A fuel injector is used to inject fuel upstream of the LNT under certain conditions, and a bypass may be used to bypass exhaust around the oxidation catalyst to provide richer or hotter exhaust to the LNT.

Integrated method for controlling diesel engine emissions in CRT-LNT system

A method for controlling diesel engine emissions is disclosed. The diesel engine's exhaust system has a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a lean NO trap (LNT). The DPF is a filter and is monitored to determine the need for regeneration. The LNT is monitored to determine the need for regeneration or desulfurization. A fuel injector is used to inject fuel upstream of the LNT under certain conditions, and a bypass may be used to bypass exhaust around the DPF to provide richer or hotter exhaust to the LNT. The sensor outputs and controls for providing the appropriate heat or fuel mix for regeneration and desulfurization may be controlled with enhancements to existing engine control circuitry.

Integrated system for controlling diesel engine emissions

A partial oxidation catalyst is interposed between an exhaust manifold and a catalytic converter in the exhaust system of a gasoline, natural gas, or propane fueled engine. The engine is started from a cold-start and the exhaust gas stream emitted during an initial period of operation after the cold-start has a &lgr; value <1 as a result of a rich combustion mixture provided to the engine during cold-start operation. Hydrocarbons passing through the partial oxidation catalyst during the initial engine operating period are partially oxidized and hydrogen produced as a result of the oxidation process is used to promote faster light-off of the catalytic converter in the exhaust system. Also, hydrocarbon emissions discharged into the surrounding environment are reduced during the initial period following cold-start.

Method for reducing cold-start hydrocarbon emissions in a gasoline, natural gas, or propane fueled engine

A method of stoichiometrically operating an internal combustion engine. The engine is equipped with a pre-engine catalyst, which produces syngas from natural gas and air. The engine receives the syngas, as well as natural gas, and recirculated exhaust gas. The amount of syngas and the amount of recirculated exhaust gas are maximized for a desired engine efficiency and NO.sub.x emissions level.

Growing community of inventors

San Antonio, TX, United States of America

Gordon J Bartley