Patent ID: 6933151
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: B01D,F01N,F02D,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for monitoring catalyst performance, comprising: introducing an exhaust gas stream into an exhaust system that includes a plurality of treatment devices and a plurality of gas sensors disposed in fluid communication with said plurality of treatment devices, wherein said plurality of treatment devices comprises a first treatment device, a second treatment device, and a third treatment device, and said plurality of gas sensors comprise a first gas sensor disposed before said first treatment device, a second gas sensor disposed between said second treatment device and said third treatment device, and a third gas sensor disposed after said third treatment device, and further wherein at least two treatment devices comprise a nitrogen oxides adsorber material; monitoring said exhaust gas stream using said plurality of gas sensors; passing said exhaust gas stream through said plurality of treatment devices; measuring a first response time differential between said first gas sensor and said second gas sensor, and a second response time between said first gas sensor and said third gas sensor; calculating a sulfur contamination index based on said response time differentials between said plurality of gas sensors; and desulfating said treatment devices based upon said first response time, said second response time, and said sulfur contamination index and adjusting an air to fuel ratio to regenerate a catalyst material of one or more of said treatment devices.