Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
  • F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
  • F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
  • F01N3/18—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control
  • F01N3/20—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust characterised by methods of operation; Control specially adapted for catalytic conversion
  • F01N3/206—Adding periodically or continuously substances to exhaust gases for promoting purification, e.g. catalytic material in liquid form, NOx reducing agents
  • F01N3/2066—Selective catalytic reduction [SCR]
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
  • F01N2610/10—Adding substances to exhaust gases the substance being heated, e.g. by heating tank or supply line of the added substance
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
  • F01N2610/10—Adding substances to exhaust gases the substance being heated, e.g. by heating tank or supply line of the added substance
  • F01N2610/105—Control thereof
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
  • F01N2610/14—Arrangements for the supply of substances, e.g. conduits
  • F01N2610/1406—Storage means for substances, e.g. tanks or reservoirs
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • F01N2610/00—Adding substances to exhaust gases
  • F01N2610/14—Arrangements for the supply of substances, e.g. conduits
  • F01N2610/1486—Means to prevent the substance from freezing
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
  • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
  • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
  • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies

Definitions

• the present device relates to the storage and delivery of a reductant for use in a ⁇ reduction system.
• the device relates to a heating unit or jacket having self- centering, symmetrical sections moveably connected together forming a chamber for receiving a canister containing an ammonia storage material capable of releasing gaseous ammonia for use in the reduction of NO x in an exhaust stream.
• Compression ignition engines provide advantages in fuel economy, but produce both NO x and particulates during normal operation. New and existing regulations continually challenge manufacturers to achieve good fuel economy and reduce the particulates and NO x emissions. Lean-burn engines achieve the fuel economy objective, but the high
• One such system is the direct addition of ammonia gas to the exhaust stream in conjunction with an after-treatment device. It is an advantage to deliver ammonia directly in the form of a gas, both for simplicity of the flow control system and for efficient mixing of reducing agent, ammonia, with the exhaust gas.
• the direct use of ammonia also eliminates potential difficulties related to blocking of the dosing system, which are cause by
• aqueous urea solution cannot be dosed at a low engine load since the temperature of the exhaust line would be too low for complete conversion of urea to ammonia (and CO 2 ).
• Appropriate heat is applied to the canisters, which then causes the ammonia- containing storage material to release its ammonia gas into an after-treatment device and the exhaust system of a vehicle, for example. Therefore, regulating and maintaining the heat around the canisters is important for consistent and efficient release of ammonia into the exhaust stream, and more effective reduction of NO x .
• An efficient system requires that multiple canister system configurations be heated sequentially, with only one canister being actively heated at a time.
• the present device offers a heating unit having two symmetrical sections moveably connected together, which form a chamber for centrally positioning and engaging a canister containing ammonia storage material.
• the heating unit provides centralized seating of the canisters within the unit, and thus uniform heating of the canisters for the efficient release of ammonia into the after-treatment system for use in the treatment of NO x in an exhaust stream.
• the present device relates to a heating unit or jacket having an interior chamber for centrally receiving a canister containing a reductant, such as an ammonia storage material, which is used in the treatment of NO x in the exhaust system of a vehicle.
• a reductant such as an ammonia storage material
• a device for heating a container held within a chamber defined by walls of the device comprises a first housing section having sidewalls to define a portion of the chamber and a second housing section having sidewalls to define a portion of the chamber, wherein the first housing segment detachably (pivotably) connects to the second housing segment to define the heating chamber for self- centering the canister therein and providing uniform heat conduction around the canister.
• a heating unit for centrally receiving and conducting heat around a canister.
• the unit comprises a first housing section having a sidewall and a rear wall, a second section having a sidewall and a rear wall, the second section symmetrical with the first section and movably connected at the rear wall, wherein the sidewalls and rear walls define an interior space having a closed end and an open front for centrally positioning the canister within the interior space for uniform heat conduction around the canister therein.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of present device, including several ASDS components
• FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the present heating device
• FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the present heating device
• FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the present heating device.
• FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the temperature controller or thermistor.
• AASHS. 1-4 there is illustrated a heating device or jacket 10 for use in a system and method for storage and delivery of a reductant, such as ammonia, for use in the reduction of NO x in an exhaust stream.
• Ammonia storage and dosing systems which are part of the exhaust gas NO x reduction (EGNR) system used in vehicles, may be comprised of several components, including a start-up canister, at least one main canister contained within a housing or storage compartment, wherein the canisters contain an ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material, an ammonia control module (AFM), a peripheral interface module (PIM), and possibly other components depending on vehicle specifications.
• AMF ammonia control module
• PIM peripheral interface module
• the heating device or jacket is generally designated by the numeral 10.
• the heating jacket 10 initiates and maintains an activation temperature for a main canister 200 or cartridge containing the ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material (not shown).
• the heating jacket 10 is positioned within a storage compartment or housing 100, which would then be attached to the frame of a vehicle (not shown) using any holder (not shown) permitting easy installation and removal of the jacket and its cartridges.
• the heating unit 10 is used in connection with the main canister 200 or canisters of the ASDS system, and may be designed to hold one or a plurality of canisters in a single unit.
• the housing 100 for retaining the jackets and canisters may likewise be designed to hold one or a plurality of heating jackets.
• the housing 100 is typically a modular unit and can be arranged in various configurations on a vehicle.
• the heating jacket 10 is typically constructed of two symmetrical halves or sections, a first housing section 12 and a second housing section 14, each of which are comprised of a plurality of materials. Each section has a generally semi-circular shape.
• the sections 12, 14 are detachably connected together, or movably connected together to define an interior space or chamber 16 for receiving the canister 200.
• the sections 12, 14 each include opposing side walls 12a, and 14a, which form a portion of the interior space or chamber 16.
• Each section also includes an end wall or panel 12b, 14b, such that when the sections are joined together, the two end walls form a common closed rear wall 18 of the unit, as well as enclosing the chamber 16.
• the joined sections 12, 14 form an opening 20 opposite the rear wall (FIG. 2) for receiving the canister within the chamber 16.
• the two end walls 12b, 14b may be connected together through any suitable attachment means, permitting the two sections to move together or apart.
• a hinge 22 or a plurality of hinges or other pivotal devices may be used to pivotally join the end panels together.
• the sections 12, 14 are joined together at the rear wall 18, opening and closing as a clamshell. Because the sections 12, 14 are semi-cylindrical or symmetrical in shape, they are designed to fit securely together forming a chamber 16 for receiving and centering the canister therein. Centering the canister within the interior chamber 16 of the heating jacket provides maximum heat conduction to the canister.
• the heating jacket 10 may also include at least one support 34, for resting the unit or jacket within the housing 100.
• the supports 34 may be positioned on the front portion and the rear portion of the second section 14.
• the support 34 or supports function to raise the jacket slightly off the floor of the housing 100, providing air circulation around the jacket. It should be understood that only one support may be used to provide a variation on the pitch of the heating jacket.
• the unit may a support 34 to vary the pitch of the unit 10.
• the support 34 may be located in the front portion of a section thereby angling the unit backwards so that any accumulated condensation will accumulate toward the back of the unit 10.
• the support 34 may include an adjustment means, such as a screw, which can be rotated to lift the support and angle the pitch of the heating jacket. Varying the pitch of the heating jacket aids in the drainage of any resulting condensation accumulating in the jacket, through a drain hole 36 (FIG. 3).
• the drain hole 36 may be located in the outer shell layer 34 in one section 12, 14, in both sections, or within other layers of the sections 12, 14. Coordinating the location of the drain hole with the pitch of the heating jacket 10 provides an effective system to drain excess moisture from the jacket.
• the sections 12, 14 are designed to open completely away from one another for seating or removing a canister 200.
• the sections may be pivotally attached to one another at the end walls or panels 12b, 14b to open and close in a clamshell manner.
• the sections may not be joined together, but rather the first section 12 can be lifted upwards completely detached from the second section 14 for insertion or removal of the canister.
• a handle 24 may be provided.
• the handle 24 may also be configured for use in securing the canister within the jacket when the handle is in the downward position.
• the two sections 12, 14 may be secured together using a tool-less locking mechanism.
• the handle 24 may be a pivotal lever or toggle lever, which is connected to a securing bolt 24a.
• the handle 24 is simply lifted upward without the need for any special tools, releasing the securing bolt 24a, and thus separating the two sections from one another.
• the handle 24 can be pushed downward, wherein the securing bolt 24a locks the two sections together. Using this type of locking mechanism avoids the need for special tools or other devices.
• each half or section 12, 14 of the jacket is constructed from a plurality of layered materials.
• the layers typically in this order, include: an inner surface layer 26 constructed of a suitable heat conductive and durable material, such as aluminum; a heating element layer 28 constructed of a silicone encased resistive wire mesh; an insulation layer 30 constructed of any suitable insulation material such as foam or fiberglass; and an outer shell layer 32 constructed of any suitable durable material, such as a glass-filled polymer (nylon).
• the individual layers may be coextruded together, or optionally, the inner layer, heating element layer and insulation layer may be formed as a single sheet composite, which is then secured to the outer layer. For example and referring to FIG.
• the inner layer 26 and the outer shell layer 32 each include a rim or edge 26a and 32a respectively, on either lateral side of the layer.
• the inner layer 26 is secured to the outer shell layer 32 through the respective edges 26a, 32a using known attachment means, such as bolts or screws, thereby creating the entire half or section 12, 14 of the jacket.
• the remaining layers, specifically the heating element layer 28 and the insulation layer 30, which may be slightly shorter in length and width than the outer shell layer 32 and the inner surface layer 26, are completely sealed between the secured outer shell layer and the inner surface layer.
• the inner layer 26 forming the interior 16 of the unit, because it directly engages the canister 200 and separates the canister from the heating element layer 28, it also serves as a conductive layer for uniform heating of the canister. Additionally, the inner layer 26 functions as a wear plate, wherein the inner layer firictionally engages the canister when the canister is slid in and out of the heating jacket.
• the inner surface wear plate is constructed from a durable material, which can withstand the sliding loading and unloading of the canisters, yet provide an effective conductive surface for heating the canister.
• the inner surface wear plate 26 also separates the canister, and frictional loading and unloading of the canister, from the heating element layer 28, which may have sensitive electrical components.
• the layered material sections forming the heating jacket insulate and direct the heat energy toward the ammonia-containing material stored within the canister, while isolating the heat source from the surrounding environment and its temperature influences. In this manner, the heating jacket 10 provides a consistent temperature and duration of heating to effectively release the ammonia gas from the ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material in the canisters for use in a NO x reduction system.
• the ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material in the canisters is generally compressed powder or granules, which may be loaded into the canisters contained in aluminum disks or balls.
• the material may be formed using existing powder metal press technology. Regardless of the technology used to prepare the material, it is important to prevent the dissipation of ammonia during the formation of the material.
• Suitable material for use in the present application include metal-ammine salts, which offer a convenient storage medium for ammonia, and represent a safe, practical and compact option for storage and transportation of ammonia.
• Ammonia may be released from the metal ammine salt by heating the salt to temperatures in the range from 10°C to the melting point to the metal ammine salt complex, for example, to a temperature from 30° to 700°C, and preferably to a temperature of from 100° to 500°C.
• metal ammine salts useful in the present device include the general formula M( H 3 ) n X z , where M is one or more metal ions capable of binding ammonia, such as Li, Mg, Ca, Sr, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, etc., n is the coordination number usually 2-12, and X is one or more anions, depending on the valence of M, where representative examples of X are F, CI, Br, I, S0 4 , M0O 4 , P0 4 , etc.
• ammonia saturated strontium chloride, Sr(NH 3 )Cl 2 is used.
• ammonia as the preferred reductant
• the invention is not limited to such embodiments, and other reductants may be utilized instead of, or in addition to, ammonia for carrying out the inventions disclosed and claimed herein.
• examples of such other, or additional reductants include, but are not limited to, urea, ammonium carbamate, and hydrogen.
• Heating of the canister within the heating unit 10 may be accomplished using a heating element (not shown), such as a resistive element, which generates heat when an electrical current is passed through the element, or a conduit for a liquid, such as engine coolant.
• the heating element may be installed within the heating element layer 28 of the sections 12, 14.
• control device such as an electronic control module (not shown) to control the amount of heat generated by the heating jacket, as well as the duration of heating.
• Regulating the temperature of the heating unit 10 is important to ensure the proper and consistent release of ammonia gas from the ammonia storage material contained within the canisters.
• a controller 38 is included in the unit.
• the controller 38 is typically a temperature detection resistor or thermistor.
• FIG. 5 illustrates the circuitry involved in the ASDS system including the thermistor associated with each heating jacket.
• the controller 38 in the present system may be located in the circuitry outside of the heating jacket, or embedded within one of the layers of the heating jacket, for example, within the heating element layer 28.
• the heating jacket 10 may include a plurality of thermistors, in addition to pressure sensors (not shown) for sending appropriate signals to an electronic control module (not shown) for monitoring and controlling the heating element of the heating jacket, or even controlling the sequential heating of multiple jackets in the system.
• the temperature applied to the canister can be controlled within predefined limits, such that it does not damage surrounding components or even the ammonia-containing material within the canisters.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Toxicology (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Exhaust Gas After Treatment (AREA)

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Publications (1)

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Cited By (1)

Citations (11)

• 2012
  • 2012-03-06 WO PCT/US2012/027873 patent/WO2013133805A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (11)

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