New generation of metallic substrates for catalytic converters in small engine application

The new generation of metallic substrates for catalytic converters used in the two and three wheeler industry is capable of improving conversion behavior even with smaller catalyst size. The lowering of production costs due to less use of precious metal is possible. This novel technological application in motorcycle vehicle class improves exhaust emission performance and introduces a new competitive product on the market. Specially developed foil structures, which transform a laminar exhaust gas flow to a turbulent one, significantly improve exhaust gas mixing behavior in the catalyst.

This publication is dealing with the analysis of different metallic substrate foil structures for the catalyst conversion performance and the light-off characteristics for the leading state of the art four stroke 150 cm³ motorcycle technology developed for the Asian market. The impact of standard compared to turbulent substrate foil structures tested under Indian (IDC) and European (ECE R40) driving cycles will be discussed in depth. Especially turbulent catalytic converters with transversal, longitudinal and perforated substrate foil structures and the influence of the catalyst volume and different coating on conversion have been treated.