Abstract: The invention concerns a method for cleaning the upstream surface (14) of a particulate filter (10) of a heat engine exhaust line, the filter (20) being arranged in a casing (12) having an outlet (22) for exhaust gases. The method comprises a step which consists in circulating a liquid flux through the particulate filter (10) from its downstream surface (18) towards its upstream surface (14) viewed from the direction of exhaust gas flow in the filter. The liquid flux circulated through the particulate filter (10) has a flow rate higher than 50 litres/minute and is distributed over the main part of the downstream surface (18) of the particulate filter.

Abstract: A controller directs the operation of an air pollution control (APC) system having one or more controllable operating parameters and a defined operating limit representing a regulatory limit on an allowed amount of pollutant to be emitted by the APC system. An interface receives data representing a value of a regulatory credit available for emitting less of the pollutant than the regulatory limit on the allowed amount of pollutant. A control processor (i) determines a target set point for each of at least one of the one or more controllable operating parameters, which will maximize the regulatory credits earned, based on the received data and (ii) to directs control of each of the at least one controllable operating parameter based on the determined target set point for that parameter.

Abstract: “Noxious substances in the exhaust, including CO, NOx, and incompletely combusted hydrocarbons are converted to more benign substances through the action of the catalytic element, which is preferably a frangible ceramic honeycomb structure having a plurality of internal passages coated with a catalytically active substance.” “The tabulated ends minimize production of turbulence in the gas flow and allow the converter to be connected to the rest of the exhaust system by clamped, welded, or flanged joints. The one-piece, seamless construction of the converter is economical to produce and eliminates welding of housing components that tend to fail when subjected to corrosive exhaust gasses over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a support for securely holding an exhaust catalyst in a combustion and exhaust system. The support of the invention includes a flexible refractory mat adapted to surround the exhaust catalyst and a metal foil having a plurality of protrusions disposed over the flexible refractory mat. The present invention also discloses an exhaust system in which a catalyst is held in place with the support of the invention. Finally, methods for securing a catalyst to an exhaust system are provided.

Abstract: The holding sealer comprises inorganic fibers, and the holding sealer has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface has ditch-shaped structures.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an automotive internal combustion engine. The apparatus comprises a casing that forms a part of an exhaust gas passage of the engine. A substrate, disposed in the casing, carries a substrate to purify exhaust gas. A supporting mat is provided to support the substrate in the casing by being located between the substrate and the casing. The supporting mat has a depression to trap foreign matters at an upstream-side end of the supporting mat, the upstream-side end facing upstream side of exhaust gas flow in the exhaust gas passage.

Abstract: A holding material used for a catalytic converter having a catalyst carrier shaped like a cylinder, a casing for receiving the catalyst carrier, and the holding material mounted on the catalyst carrier and interposed in a gap between the catalyst carrier and the casing, the holding material including a molding of inorganic fibers shaped like a mat or a cylinder, wherein at least an exhaust-gas-inlet-side end portion of the holding material is set to be smaller in basis weight than any other area of the holding material over a predetermined axial length.

Abstract: A fixed-bed reactor is described for carrying out reactions of fluid reaction mixtures in the presence of a particulate heterogeneous catalyst having a structured packing which forms interstices in the reactor interior, in which the quotient of the hydraulic diameter for the fluid flow through the structured packing and the equivalent diameter of the catalyst particles is in the range from 2 to 20, preferably in the range from 5 to 10, to such an extent that the catalyst particles are introduced into the interstices, loosely distributed and discharged under the action of gravity.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure that is a plurality of honeycomb segments (21) bonded into one piece by a bonding material (25), the honeycomb segments (21) each having a large number of through-channels (11) separated from each other by partition walls (20), the bonding material (25) being composed of components substantially the same as components composing the unified body of honeycomb segments (21), and the honeycomb segments (21) being bonded to each other at their planes substantially parallel to the direction of channels of through- channels (11), in which honeycomb structure each bonded plane (22) of each honeycomb segment (21) has a structure possessing an unbonded area (12) containing at least an edge portion opening to a periphery of its gas inlet side end face (15) and/or a periphery of its gas outlet side end face (17). With this honeycomb structure, there is no cracking caused by the thermal stress during the use, and excellent durability can be obtained.

Abstract: An exhaust system comprising a catalytic converter unit, a bushing element provided in a shell wall of the catalytic converter unit, and an oxygen sensor positioned within exhaust flow of the catalytic converter unit and extending through the bushing element and having a connector disposed in intimate contact with the bushing element, and a method of positioning such an oxygen sensor in an exhaust system component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, including a housing, at least one gas treating body, a first support material, an internal shield, and a second support material. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet and an interior chamber between the inlet and the outlet. The gas treating body or bodies are located within the chamber, and the first support material is located between the outer surface of the gas treating body or bodies and the inner surface of the chamber. The internal shield is coupled with the inner surface of the housing via the second support material, which is located between the outer surface of the internal shield and the inner surface of the housing. The cross sectional area of the housing is generally constant in the region proximal to the internal shield.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure according to the present invention has partition walls, and a number of through-holes divided from each other by the partition walls and extending in an axial direction. The honeycomb structure contains silicon carbide (SiC) or a composite material having silicon carbide (SiC) as a main crystal phase, and has a cylindrical shape. A circularity of a periphery of the honeycomb structure is in a range of 1.0 to 2.5 mm. The honeycomb structure can be contained in a metal container in stable state and hardly has problems such as breakage or breakdown.

Abstract: A heat resistant sheet containing inorganic fibers, wherein, among the inorganic fibers, a rate of a fiber(s) with a fiber length of about 200 ?m or less is about 40% or less, is provided.

Abstract: To provide a catalyst carrier holding material which is particularly useful for catalytic converters, by exhibiting heat resistance and high compression resistance in high temperature ranges, as well as excellent wind erosion resistance. The catalyst carrier holding material comprises inorganic fibers comprising alumina and silica, and the mullite ratio of the inorganic fibers is in the range of greater than 30% and less than 75%, and preferably in the range of 35% to 70%.

Abstract: An assembly includes a honeycomb body secured by an inner casing tube in a housing, in particular a housing of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The inner casing tube has an overall length which is bounded axially by two edges and is substantially smaller than the axial length of the honeycomb body. The inner casing tube is also disposed in an approximately axially central position around the honeycomb body and is connected, in particular brazed, thereto in at least one axial connection region. The inner casing tube has a region within the axial connection region in which it is connected to the honeycomb body on the inside or attached directly adjacent the latter on the outside and is connected to the housing. Regions of the inner casing tube which are not connected to the housing but are connected to the honeycomb body toward the inside are constructed as radially elastic spring elements.

Abstract: A catalyst assembly includes a housing having at least first and second recesses with side surfaces, and a catalyst carrier body fixed in said housing. The catalyst carrier body has a casing tube and a honeycomb body through which an exhaust gas can flow. The casing tube has at least first and second protuberances with side surfaces and said casing tube is connected to said honeycomb body at least in a partial region. The protuberances extend at least partially into said recesses to form a fixed mounting and at least one floating mounting with an axial mounting play. The assembly ensures that the catalyst carrier body is permanently fixed, in particular during structure-borne vibrations that occur in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine exhaust system comprises a single-piece, seamless metal housing having tubulated gas inlet and outlet ports and a tubulated intermediate section with a plurality of cascaded catalytic element therein. The intermediate section is connected to the inlet port by an inlet transition section and to the outlet port by an outlet transition section. The inlet and outlet ports and the inlet and outlet transition sections are formed by swaging the ends of a seamless tube used to form the housing. Exhaust gas produced by operation of the engine passes into the converter and through the catalytic element. Noxious substances in the exhaust, including CO, NOx, and incompletely combusted hydrocarbons are converted to more benign substances through the action of the catalytic element, which is preferably a frangible ceramic honeycomb structure having a plurality of internal passages coated with a catalytically active substance.

Abstract: A multibed catalyzer (1) is for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, of a motor vehicle. In a housing (2), at least two catalytic monoliths (3, 4) are arranged axially adjacent to be flowed-through in succession. The two monoliths (3, 4) are encased on the circumferential side by a common heat-resistance bearing mat (5) and supported by means of this bearing mat (5) in the housing (2). In order to enable a predetermined axial minimal distance between the two monoliths (3, 4), at least two heat-resistant distancing elements (9) are distributed circumferentially and axially between the two monoliths (3, 4), so that the monoliths are axially supported on one another by means of the distancing elements (9).

Abstract: A catalytic converter comprises an exhaust manifold comprising a manifold wall; a catalytic converter shell, wherein a portion of the catalytic converter shell is disposed within the manifold wall; and a catalyst substrate disposed in the catalytic converter shell.

Abstract: A catalytic converter and method for its assembly including an external shell formed in two halves containing a catalytic substrate, two internal shields and two-piece inlet and outlet cones. The inlet and outlet cones are attached as halves to each side of the external shell, and are assembled to each other as the external shells are assembled.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control system capable of enhancing a purifying performance by increasing a catalyst temperature rising speed (warm-up speed) after starting the internal combustion engine, includes a box body formed with an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, a catalyst support incorporated into the box body, and a catalyst substance supported on the catalyst support. A part of the catalyst support of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst is a low resistance area formed so that a gas flow resistance is lower than in other areas. The low resistance area is disposed in such a position that a flow velocity of the exhaust gas flowing to the catalyst support is high. A temperature rising speed in the low resistance area is increased, and a temperature rising characteristic is further enhanced with this low resistance area serving as a high density support area for supporting a larger quantity of a catalyst substance such as platinum etc than in other areas.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for producing a gas treatment device includes disposing a mat support material about a substrate to form a subassembly; passing at least a portion of the subassembly into a main body portion of a housing that has a first portion having a decreasing internal diameter from a first end to the main body portion, the main body portion extending from the first portion.

Abstract: The catalytic exhaust gas cleaning system and a corresponding compensation layer are especially suitable for automotive applications. The novel configuration reliably protects a so-called swelling mat from strongly pulsating streams of exhaust gases, even at very high ambient temperatures. A compensation layer which includes the swelling mat and an insulting mat is disposed between an outer housing and a honeycomb of an exhaust gas purification system. An edging is produced preferably by folding the insulating mat. The folder-over edge bead is thicker than the remaining inner area of the insulating mat. Next to the side of the inner area facing away from the honeycomb, the welling mat is arranged so that the thicker area of the edging of the insulating mat covers those edge areas of the swelling mat which are at risk of abrasion. The compensation layer preferably consists of a composite material which can be wound.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine exhaust system comprises a single-piece, seamless metal housing having tubulated gas inlet and outlet ports and a tubulated intermediate section with a catalytic element therein. The intermediate section is connected to the inlet port by an inlet transition section and to the outlet port by an outlet transition section. The inlet and outlet ports and the inlet and outlet transition sections are formed by swaging the ends of a seamless tube used to form the housing. Exhaust gas produced by operation of the engine passes into the converter and through the catalytic element. Noxious substances in the exhaust, including CO, NOx, and incompletely combusted hydrocarbons are converted to more benign substances through the action of the catalytic element, which is preferably a frangible ceramic honeycomb structure having a plurality of internal passages coated with a catalytically active substance.

Abstract: A canning structure comprises a ceramic honeycomb structure before carrying a catalyst, fixed beforehand within a metal case by a holding material. An impermeable layer is provided on at least one edge plane in the longitudinal direction of the holding material. Thus, the holding material does not carry expensive catalyst at the time of carrying catalyst, and accordingly chipping and cracking of the ceramic honeycomb structure can be prevented at the time of transporting, the catalyst carrying process, the canning process, and handling in each of the processes.

Abstract: A filter assembly through which a fluid can flow and a method for the production thereof are provided. The filter assembly includes at least one covering layer made of an at least partially porous material with at least one boundary region and includes at least one fiber layer made of a fiber fabric. The at least one covering layer forms a sleeve that encloses the fiber layer so that the fiber layer is permanently disposed inside the at least one covering layer. The filter assembly makes it possible to produce a filter body that can be used, in particular, for cleaning exhaust gases of mobile internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A process and system for producing synthesis gas by a SPOC® enhanced catalytic partial oxidation process is disclosed. Light hydrocarbons in a H2S-containing feed gas are partially oxidized to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide over a catalyst that simultaneously oxidizes the H2S to produce elemental sulfur. A reaction in which H2S is partially oxidized to elemental sulfur and water takes place instead of a secondary reaction in which a portion of the light hydrocarbon feed is combusted to form CO2 and water. An increase in yield and selectivity for CO and H2 products results, and readily recoverable elemental sulfur is also produced.

Abstract: A self-powered, personally wearable air purifier includes a sequence of packed bed filter media packets having filter media therein of specifically targeted types that will absorb those ambient air pollutants that have been identified as being particularly dangerous to human health. A HEPA filter is included for the removal of particulate matter that will have adhered thereto many of such pollutants. Media types can be selected to meet different environmental circumstances, including normal highway or city center air, or terrorist attacks of chemical, biological or “dirty bomb” types as on a battlefield or similar environments. Shoulder straps and a chest strap are provided for wearing the apparatus on a user's back, or other means such as a shoulder pouch can also be employed. Emergency substitution of filter media using thermal insulation from the clothing of the user is available upon depletion of the normal media material.

Abstract: A clutch filter for filtering a fluid and a method for installing a filter member on the clutch filter are provided. The clutch filter includes a conduit member having an inlet end and an outlet end. The clutch filter further includes a filter member configured to be removably disposed about an exterior of the conduit member wherein an inner surface of the filter member and an exterior surface of the conduit member are in a spaced relationship. Finally, the clutch filter includes a collection vessel coupled to the outlet end of the conduit member. The collection vessel defines a first area in fluid communication with the outlet end. A second area is defined between the inner surface of the filter member and the exterior surface of the conduit member that is in fluid communication with the first area. A portion of the exterior surface of the filter member is not covered by the collection vessel.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure obtained by bonding, into one piece, a plurality of honeycomb segments (2) each having a plurality of passages (6) surrounded by cell walls and extending in the axial direction of the segment. In the honeycomb structure, a material A (3) having compressive elasticity is provided at least at a portion of the gaps formed by each two faces of adjacent honeycomb segments (2). A honeycomb structure assembly (8) obtained by providing a material B (5) having compressive elasticity on the outer peripheral portion of the above honeycomb structure in a compressed state and thereby compression-holding the honeycomb structure in a metallic container (11). The honeycomb structure and the honeycomb structure assembly have good durability and resistance to heat or vibration, applied during their use.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma reactor is provided. The non-thermal plasma reactor includes a plasma-generating substrate, a housing and a mat. The plasma-generating substrate has one or more flow paths for an exhaust gas. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The mat retains the plasma-generating substrate in the housing such that the one or more flow paths are in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. A voltage is supplied to the plasma-generating substrate to generate a plasma field. An electrically insulating layer is disposed between the plasma-generating substrate and the housing for preventing an arc of electricity from the plasma-generating substrate and/or the voltage to the housing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a honeycomb structure (1) comprising: a plurality of honeycomb segments (2a, 2b), bonded into one piece, having a large number of cells (6) separated from one another by cell walls (10) and extending through an axial direction. At least one honeycomb segment (2a) not constituting an outermost peripheral surface (23) of the honeycomb structure (1) has a larger average cell wall thickness and a smaller or equal cell density compared with those of at least one honeycomb segment (2b) constituting the outermost peripheral surface (23). There is disclosed a honeycomb structure assembly in which a material B having compressive elasticity is disposed in a compressed state on the outermost peripheral surface (23) of the honeycomb structure (1) to compression-hold the honeycomb structure (1) in a metallic container.

Abstract: A device (10) for treatment of exhaust gases includes a housing (12); a fragile structure (18) resiliently mounted within the housing (12); and a non-intumescent mounting mat (20) disposed in a gap between the housing (12) and the fragile structure (18). The mounting mat (20) comprises melt-formed, leached glass fibers high in silica content and exerts a minimum holding pressure for holding the fragile structure (18) within the housing (12) of one of (i) at least 10 kPa after 1000 cycles of testing at a hot face temperature of 900° C., a gap bulk density of between 0.3 and 0.5 g/cm3, and a percent gap expansion of 5 percent, and (ii) at least 50 kPa after 1000 cycles of testing at a hot face temperature of 300° C., a gap bulk density of between 0.3 and 0.5 g/cm3, and a percent gap expansion of 2 percent.

Abstract: A system and method for the manufacture of a laser-welded cone-shell catalytic converter (100) is provided. An unformed shell blank (111) is formed into a cylindroid shell (110) having overlapping edges (112), which are then resistance welded to produce a shell seam (116). The shell seam (116) is planished to a thickness (120) less than 125 percent of a thickness (119) of the unformed shell blank (111). A ceramic catalytic substrate (130) is wrapped in a ceramic-fiber mounting mat (131) and inserted into the shell (110). Ends (125) of the shell (110) are crimped to form a 1 mm turndown (134). A pair of endcones (140) is assembled, where for each endcone (140) an outer cone (141) is loaded with an endcone insulation (142), and an inner cone (143) is pressed into and spot-welded to the outer cone (141). The endcones (140) are fitted to the shell (110) so as to form an overlap zone (151). The endcones (140) and shell (110) are then laser welded by an Nd:YAG laser (253) in the overlap zone (151).

Abstract: A special bearing mat (4) is used for mounting and insulating ceramic monoliths (1, 2) in a preferably oval housing (3) of an automobile exhaust system (20), especially for non-round housing cross sections. The bearing mat (4) and/or said housing is/are specially structured and/or chemically treated, especially impregnated at the points which are at risk of eroding (A) in order to increase resistance to erosion. The bearing mat (4) is adapted to suit the functioning of the exhaust system (20) during operation and is especially configured with several layers.

Abstract: A method for assembling a cell structure in a metal vessel, including reading information as indicia located on a surface of a compressible material having a cushioning property, the information regarding the thickness and/or bulk density of the compressible material; selecting a cell structure, a metal vessel, and a compressible material which, when assembled as a cell structure housed in a metal vessel, have a proper holding condition based on the read information; assembling the selected cell structure in the selected metal vessel via the selected compressible material, the compressible material being located in a compressed state between an outer periphery of the cell structure and the metal vessel to hold the selected cell structure in the selected metal vessel.

Abstract: An emission system part, comprising an inner pipe in which a space is formed contiuously up to the tapered reduced diameter parts of inner and outer pipes and which incorporates a catalyst carrier at its center part and forms a generally tapered reduced diameter part of its center part. Spin working forms the part.

Abstract: The invention provides a preform insulating end cone suitable for forming the end cone of a pollution control device. The preform insulating end cone includes a cone shaped intumescent or non-intumescent sheet material. The sheet material has a plurality of slits enabling the sheet material to be cone shaped. A shape retaining element is in intimate contact with the intumescent sheet material. The shape retaining element enables the intumescent sheet material to maintain a cone shape. The invention also provides methods of making preform insulating end cones of the invention.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing a particulate reactor substrate according to the invention includes the steps of first roll-stamping small, raised dimples into the fabric substrate to control its coiled density. The dimpled fabric then undergoes high temperature firing for hardening and degreasing, and then water quenching to harden the metal which improves heat tolerance. The treated metal weave is then aluminum oxide shot-blasted to etch the fabric surface for improved ceramic coating adhesion and to increase surface area. Next, the fabric is coated with a wet slurry of an undercoating (“wash coat”) prior to spooling and pressing the fabric into individualized cartridges that are held tightly wound by an encircling sleeve. Next, the sleeved spools are oven-fired and then the fired spools are impregnated with the catalytic precious metal. The impregnated sheathed spools are finally oven-fired again and “canned” into an outer enclosure.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing polluting gases from petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, or industrial smoke. The neutralizing system includes modules assembled together or integrated, chosen in accordance with the quantity of pollutant gases and their nature. The modules may include: hollow metal or mineral sphere-type pyrolisis heat cell module containing excrescences forming a large exchange area with polluting gases, or electric heaters, particle and HC filter, polluting gas purification module, sound damping and gas temperature reduction module.

Abstract: A catalytic converter comprises a catalyst substrate concentrically disposed in a shell and having a mat support material located concentrically in between the catalyst substrate and shell. The catalyst substrate includes structural features located on its outer surface that engage the mat support material. The shear forces exerted between the catalyst substrate and mat support material, in addition to the normally present frictional forces, reduce the axial movement of the catalyst substrate during assembly and operation of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A low-profile integrated catalytic converter with a coupling assembly comprises a catalytic converter with a coupling assembly integrated into the inlet end of the catalytic converter, which is attached to a mounting flange or exhaust pipe. The coupling assembly comprises two or more flexible bellows, joined together at their periphery, and containing a plurality of undulating ribs. The respective ends of the flexible bellows assembly are secured to the catalytic converter. A coupling travel limiter can optionally be concentrically disposed within the bellows assembly to limit the flexibility of the coupling and direct an exhaust gas stream into the catalytic converter.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment device comprises: a substrate; an end-cone with a first end disposed about an end of the substrate and a second end comprising a snorkel; a mat support disposed over at least a portion of the end-cone, wherein the mat support comprises a slit in operable communication with a snorkel slot and a keyhole disposed at the opposite end of the slit as the snorkel slot, and wherein at least a portion of the snorkel protrudes through the snorkel slot; and a shell disposed around the mat support.

Abstract: A thermally-activated exhaust treatment device, such as a catalytic converter (20); for vehicles includes a core having an inner housing (21) and a catalytic material (27, 27?). A jacket includes an outer housing (22) enclosing the inner housing (21) but characteristically not contacting the inner housing (21). The inner and outer housings (21, 22) includes walls (30, 31) forming a vacuum-drawn scaled insulation cavity (26) around the inner housing (21). A temperature-activated variable insulator device is positioned within the outer housing (22) and includes a hydrogen source (32) and controls for controlling the variable insulator device. A vacuum-maintenance device is incorporated into the insulation cavity (26), and includes a small container, getter material positioned in the container, a porous member allowing gas in the insulation cavity (26) to communicate with the getter material. A multi-layered radiation shield is position in the vacuum space and is loosely coupled to the inner housing (21).

Abstract: A catalytic converter is manufactured by wrapping a monolith core in an intumescent mat, surrounding the core and mat with a pre-wound metal jacket and compressing the jacket using tension bands. During compression the housing jacket is knocked at a frequency between 20 and 80 Hz to cause setting of the intumescent mat between the core and the jacket.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system, in particular for motor vehicles, having at least one catalyst body (6) which is arranged in a housing (1) and which has an in particular honeycomb-like metal matrix (8) as a substratefor the active catalyst material and a jacket (10), also made of metal, surrounding the matrix (8) and attached thereto in particular by soldering, via which the catalyst body (6) is fixedly connected, in particular welded, to the housing (1), wherein the catalyst body (6) is only fixedly connected to the housing (1) at one point (16), in particular at its downstream end region

Abstract: A reactor configuration contains a housing connected to a silicon wafer. The silicon wafer has pores extending from a first main area of the silicon wafer into an interior of the silicon wafer, preferably as far as a second main area of the silicon wafer. A catalyst layer at least partly covers the surface of the pores.

Abstract: A variable flow regulator assembly comprises a first stationary exhaust pipe, a second stationary exhaust pipe concentrically disposed within the first stationary exhaust pipe, and a movable exhaust pipe concentrically disposed between the first and second stationary exhaust pipes. The first stationary exhaust pipe includes one or more interference tabs concentrically and circumferentially fitted about its interior surface. The movable exhaust pipe includes one or more interference tabs concentrically and circumferentially fitted about its exterior surface. The interference tabs complimentarily interact and restrict the movement of the variable flow regulator so that the flow maldistribution of the exhaust gas stream entering the catalytic converter can be variably controlled.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment device, such as a catalytic converter assembly (20) for vehicles includes an inner housing (21) having an inlet and an outlet defining a longitudinal direction (63) and having a catalytic material (27, 27?) therein chosen to reduce undesirable emissions from the exhaust of a combustion engine as the exhaust passes from the inlet to the outlet. The catalytic converter assembly (20) further includes an outer housing (22) enclosing the inner housing (21) but characteristically not contacting the inner housing (21), the outer housing (22) including an inlet and an outlet that align with the inlet and outlet of the inner housing (21), the inner and outer housing (21, 22) including walls (30, 31) forming a sealed cavity (26) around the inner housing (21), the cavity (26) having a vacuum drawn therein. The catalytic converter assembly (20) further includes supports (25) of various configurations and materials that extend radially between the inner and outer housings (21, 22).

Abstract: A method for the isomerization of a hydrocarbonic charge containing a substantial quantity of paraffin base hydrocarbons with 5 or 6 carbon atoms and a benzene content that is greater than or equal to 2% by weight, in which the charge to be treated passes, in the presence of hydrogen, at a total pressure greater than or equal to 10.105 Pa (10 bars) and at an average temperature ranging between 100 and 200° C., through at least one reactor (5) containing a catalyst. An adjunctive fluid is introduced in the upstream section of the reaction zone; a fluid that at 40° C. and under atmospheric pressure (1.0134.105 Pa), is in a gaseous phase and has a density that is less than or equal to that of the normal-pentane taken into account under the same conditions.