Method and apparatus for maintaining the operating temperature in a device for reducing engine exhaust pollutants

Patent · Tue Jan 18 00:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:7315373

Lee, R C

A description is given of a method and apparatus for maintaining the operating temperature in a device in which exhaust gases are passed from an engine through a fuel reformer in indirect heat exchange with fuel and steam in contact with a catalytic bed for steam reforming the fuel. The reformed fuel is brought into heat exchange relationship with the fuel and water entering the fuel reformer and thereafter the engine is operated utilizing this reformed fuel for lowering the amount of pollutant species from the engine. The method and apparatus for control is a combination of a means for sensing the temperature of the catalytic bed, and generating signals in response to a predetermined operating temperature for the catalytic bed whereby control valves are operated to admit additional fuel and a controlled flow of air or to stop the admission of air for mixing with the fuel and water entering the reforming means which provides a combustion mixture within the reforming means which on combustion raises the temperature within the reforming means. In one embodiment of the invention the heat of the engine block is utilized by indirect heat exchange with the fuel and water before entering the reforming means to vaporize the fuel and water thereby providing part of the heat necessary in the reforming of the fuel.

• Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 4003343
• OSTI ID: 7315373
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 4 Apr 1975
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
REFORMER PROCESSES
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
FUEL SYSTEMS
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
DESIGN
FUEL-AIR RATIO
STEAM
VALVES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONTROL
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
FUELS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
330700* - Advanced Propulsion Systems- Emission Control
330603 - Vehicle Design Factors- Engine System