Method and apparatus for operational monitoring of a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine and a catalytic converter to be monitored

US5255511A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Maus · Bensberg, DE
• Helmut Swars · Bensberg, DE
• Rolf Brück · Bensberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 18, 1992
• Grant date: Oct 26, 1993
• Expiry date: Sep 18, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/40
• WIPO field: Environmental technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for operational monitoring of a catalytic converter of an exhaust system of an engine includes selecting at least two measurement locations at three-dimensionally spaced-apart cross-sectional regions of the exhaust system, and defining at least a partial volume of the catalytic converter between the locations being definitive for catalytic conversion of pollutants in the exhaust gas. The temperature at the regions is measured and monitored and the temperature at least at one of the locations is measured integrally over an approximately representative portion of at least one region and not spotwise. An apparatus for operational monitoring includes at least two temperature sensors disposed successively in flow direction in at least two regions of the exhaust system, defining at least the partial volume of the catalytic converter. At least one of the sensors integrally measures temperature over an approximately representative portion of the region in which it is disposed. An electronic monitoring apparatus evaluates measured temperature values. A display apparatus displays an evaluation outcome. A catalytic converter includes at least partially structured sheet-metal layers. …