Patent ID: 8187388

Claim:
A method for treating a catalytic converter having a pressure side for flow of a flue gas fluid and a bundle of channels with channel ends through which the flue gas fluid flows from the pressure side during operation of the catalytic converter and through which a first fluid for cleaning, regeneration, or a combination thereof is flushed and directed through the channels of the catalytic converter in-situ in an assembled state when the catalytic converter is taken out of service for treatment, the method comprising: accessing a side of the catalytic converter in the assembled and installed state, away from the pressure side, wherein the catalytic converter remains installed in its location of operation; applying a filling element to the ends of the channels of the bundle of channels facing away from the pressure side, wherein the filling element forms a seal to the ends of the channels of the bundle of channels, introducing the first fluid under pressure with aid of the filling element into the bundle of channels, directing the first fluid against the action of gravity upward through the bundle of channels, wherein the first fluid exits from the ends of the channels of the bundle of channels facing the pressure side, wherein the first fluid enters into the ends of the channels of surrounding adjacent channels, and wherein the first fluid flows back through the surrounding channels by action of gravity.