Numerical and experimental characterizations of automotive catalytic converter internal flows

• Published in: Journal of fluids and structures Vol. 6; no. 4; pp. 451 - 470
• Main Authors: Lai, M.-C., Lee, T., Kim, J.-Y., Cheng, C.-Y., Li, P., Chui, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 01.07.1992; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Exact sciences and technology; Pollution; Prevention and purification methods; Transports and other; Catalytic muffler; Numerical analysis; Three dimensional flow; Simulation; Flow velocity; Exhaust gas; Flue gas purification
• ISSN: 0889-9746; 1095-8622
• DOI: 10.1016/0889-9746(92)90026-Y

The three-dimensional non-reacting flow field inside a typical dual-monolith automotive catalytic converter subject to different flow and structural conditions is studied numerically and experimentally. In the numerical analysis, the monolith brick resistance is formulated by using the pressure gradient of a fully developed laminar duct-flow and is corrected for the entrance effect. This correlation is found to agree with experimental pressure drop data and is introduced as an additional source term into the governing nondimensional momentum equation within the monolith brick. Simulation results show that the level of gas flow maldistribution in the monolith depends on the inlet flow Reynolds number, the brick resistance, and the inlet pipe length and its bending angles. The flow distribution is found to be more uniform inside a monolith brick with a lower inlet flow Reynolds number, a larger brick resistance, a shorter inlet pipe, and a straight inlet pipe instead of a bent one. Point-velocity measurements using laser Doppler velocimetry and smoke-flow visualization techniques at selected flow sections are also conducted to verify the simulation results.