초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for the thermal aging of catalytic converters uses a gas dynamic exhaust gas generator for generating heated exhaust gas for the thermal aging process. The gas generator includes a gas dynamic air compressor, an exhaust gas turbine driving the compressor and a combustor or bur

A method and apparatus for the thermal aging of catalytic converters uses a gas dynamic exhaust gas generator for generating heated exhaust gas for the thermal aging process. The gas generator includes a gas dynamic air compressor, an exhaust gas turbine driving the compressor and a combustor or burner receiving compressed air from the compressor, for burning fuel to form heated combustion products, delivered as heated compressed exhaust gas to the turbine for driving the compressor. In a preferred embodiment, the cost of the converter aging apparatus is reduced by using a commercially available engine exhaust turbocharger to provide the compressor and turbine. A combustor is connected between the compressor and turbine and the desired fuel and air connections, controls and an exhaust conduit are provided to complete the apparatus. The turbocharger may be sized for aging one or a plurality of catalytic converters at the same time.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for thermal aging of catalytic converters by simulating operation with an engine for a prescribed period for subsequent use in vehicle/engine testing of the emission controlling action of the aged converters, the method comprising:providing a gas dynamic exhaust gas generator including a

1. A method for thermal aging of catalytic converters by simulating operation with an engine for a prescribed period for subsequent use in vehicle/engine testing of the emission controlling action of the aged converters, the method comprising:providing a gas dynamic exhaust gas generator including a gas dynamic air compressor, an exhaust gas turbine connected for driving the compressor and a combustor connected to receive compressed air from the compressor; rotating the compressor to send compressed air to the combustor; burning fuel in the combustor to heat the air charge and to deliver heated compressed exhaust gas to the turbine for driving the compressor; conducting the spent hot exhaust gas through a turbine exhaust to a connected catalytic converter being thermally aged; and controlling the fuel and air flow to the combustor to provide a desired air/fuel ratio in the combustor.