Deposit Reduction in SCR Aftertreatment Systems by Addition of Ti-Based Coordination Complex to UWS

Formation of urea-derived deposits in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment systems continues to be problematic at temperatures at and below 215 °C. Several consequences of deposit formation include: NO_x and NH₃ slip, exhaust flow maldistribution, increased engine backpressure, and corrosion of aftertreatment components. Numerous methods have been developed to reduce deposit formation, but to date, there has been no solution for continuous low-temperature dosing of Urea-Water Solution (UWS). This manuscript presents a novel methodology for reducing low-temperature deposit formation in SCR aftertreatment systems. The methodology described herein involves incorporation and dissolution of an HNCO hydrolysis catalyst directly into the UWS. HNCO is a transient species formed by the thermolysis of urea upon injection of UWS into the aftertreatment system. Ideally HNCO undergoes hydrolysis to form NH₃ and CO₂, but under certain conditions HNCO may polymerize or react with other constituents in the exhaust. Reaction of HNCO with species other than water generally results in the formation of deposits in the aftertreatment system. Addition of an HNCO hydrolysis catalyst directly into the UWS provides maximum contact between catalyst and substrate, thereby improving deposit reduction efficacy. This method of reducing deposits has been shown to reduce deposits by 89% at a 215 °C operating condition.