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Reducing Catalytic Converter Pressure Loss with Enhanced Inlet-Header Diffusion
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English
Abstract
The function of the inlet header of a catalytic converter is to diffuse the inlet exhaust flow, decreasing its velocity and increasing its static pressure with as little loss in total pressure as possible. In practice, very little diffusion takes place in most catalytic converter inlet headers because the flow separates at the interface of the pipe and the tapered section leading to the substrate. This leads to increased converter pressure loss and flow maldistribution.
An improved inlet-header design called the Enhanced Diffusion Header (EDH) was developed which combines a short, shallow-angle diffuser with a more abrupt expansion to the substrate cross section. Tests conducted in room air (cold flow) and engine exhaust showed that improved inlet-jet diffusion leads to substantial reductions in converter restriction. EDH performance was not compromised by the presence of a right-angle bend upstream of the converter.
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Authors
Citation
Wendland, D., Kreucher, J., and Andersen, E., "Reducing Catalytic Converter Pressure Loss with Enhanced Inlet-Header Diffusion," SAE Technical Paper 952398, 1995, https://doi.org/10.4271/952398.Also In
References
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- Wendland, D. W. Matthes, W. R. “Visualization of Automotive Catalytic Converter Internal Flows” SAE Paper 861554 1986
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