Abstract: The present invention is an aftertreatment system for lean burn internal combustion engines. The present invention provides a multiple branch lean NOx trap, or LNT, with a diverter valve operable to selectively direct lean exhaust flow to one portion of the LNT while another portion of the LNT regenerates in a low oxygen environment. Additionally, the present invention employees a continuously operating side stream exhaust fuel reformer that delivers a reductant, such as partially oxidized (POx) gas or reformate, to the LNT for regeneration. The present invention also provides a method of exhaust aftertreatment of a lean burn internal combustion engine utilizing the system provided.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system includes an inlet device for a reactor having a housing defining a frustoconical interior region having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A tube mixer having a helical divider may be optionally employed to transfer fluid into the inlet opening. A retention member is placed at each of the openings and a plurality of particles is contained within the frustoconical interior region between the retention members. An insulator placed between the outlet opening and the catalyst reaction surface minimizes temperature non-uniformities over the catalyst surface area, which preserves the catalyst contained within the reaction surface and prevents premature onset of the reaction prior to contact of a reactant mixture with the reaction surface. As a reactant fluid material passes through the inlet device it forms a homogenous reactant fluid material which then flows onto a catalytic reaction surface to form a reformate.