Abstract The method and means for catalytically treating engine exhaust gases which utilize a catalytic converter having a single bed of catalyst material which has an upstream reduction zone and a downstream oxidation zone. Air is introduced into the oxidation zone of the catalyst material in a direction generally transverse to the direction of flow of the exhaust gases. The engine is operated in a manner to maintain the content of the untreated exhaust gases generally low in oxygen and high in carbon monoxide. Therefore, the nitrogen oxides in the untreated exhaust gases are reduced by the carbon monoxide in the exhaust in the upstream zone of the bed and the air is admixed with exhaust gases to oxidize the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the downstream zone of the bed.
The method of claim 1 wherein said catalyst material comprises a single reducing-oxidizing catalyst.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said catalyst material comprises copper oxide and iron oxide impregnated on a support base.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
124 words
A catalytic converter for treating exhaust of an internal combustion engine comprising in combination: a. an outer housing; b. a catalyst compartment in said outer housing; c. distribution and collection means connected to said catalyst compartment for passing the exhaust gases therethrough; d. an air sparge tube disposed in said catalyst compartment in a plane generally transverse to the direction of flow of said exhaust gases and being spaced therein to form an upstream section and a downstream section, said air sparge tube having a plurality of perforation means for supplying air in a direction transverse to the direction of flow of said exhaust gases to the downstream section of said catalyst compartment; and, e. means for supplying air to said air sparge tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The converter of claim 4 in that there is provided a plurality of air sparge tubes in said catalyst compartment in a plane generally transverse to the direction of flow of the exhaust gases.