초록 ▼

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for heating a catalytic converter at least to a light off temperature. In accordance with the invention, the catalytic converter may be heated using a novel monolith construction, electrical heating, catalytic combination of a fuel and oxygen or

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for heating a catalytic converter at least to a light off temperature. In accordance with the invention, the catalytic converter may be heated using a novel monolith construction, electrical heating, catalytic combination of a fuel and oxygen or combinations of these methods. Heating or thermally conditioning a catalyst in accordance with the invention rapidly brings the catalyst up to the light off temperature for the efficient conversion of pollutant gases, such as unacceptable emissions emanating from an internal combustion engine, into water, carbon dioxide and other acceptable emissions. In particular, the invention provides efficient heating of the catalytic converter despite the potential presence of water on the catalyst during startup.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of conditioning a catalyzed monolith included in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for catalytic destruction or decomposition of a pollutant exhaust gas having a lightoff temperature, comprising the steps of:(a) substantially drying only a fir

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of conditioning a catalyzed monolith included in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for catalytic destruction or decomposition of a pollutant exhaust gas having a lightoff temperature, comprising the steps of:(a) substantially drying only a first region of the catalyzed monolith immediately prior to, during or just after starting of the engine on electrically heating only the first region of the catalyzed monolith; and then(b) catalytically oxidizing a fuel that undergoes catalytic oxidation with oxygen in the catalyzed monolith at a temperature less than the lightoff temperature of the pollutant exhaust gas.