Method and apparatus for monitoring the function of a catalytic converter

US5355671A · 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: Mar 1, 1993
• Grant date: Oct 18, 1994
• Expiry date: Mar 1, 2013

Classification

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

Abstract

A method for monitoring the status of a catalytic converter through which a catalyzable fluid, particularly an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, flows along a flow direction from an inlet end to an outlet end, includes measuring the temperature of the catalytic converter along the flow direction continuously or at a plurality of measurement points along the flow direction forming a mean temperature value. The temperature of the catalytic converter is measured at least at one measurement point forming an associated local temperature value. The mean temperature value is compared with the local temperature value for deriving a statement as to the status of the catalytic converter. An assembly for monitoring the status of a catalytic converter through which a catalyzable fluid can flow along a flow direction from an inlet end to an outlet end of the catalytic converter includes a first temperature measuring sensor including a length of wire having a temperature-variable electrical resistance and being coupled to the catalytic converter along the flow direction, and at least one second temperature measuring sensor being coupled to the catalytic converter at a measuring poi…