CFD Analysis of an Automobile Catalytic Converter to Obtain Flow Uniformity and to Minimize Pressure Drop across the Monolith

Abstract

The catalytic converter is a device which converts harmful exhaust gases from internal

combustion engine into harmless gases. Global warming and air pollution are a buzz in

today’s scenario. Greenhouse gasses are responsible for global warming. Carbon

dioxide, which contributes to being the single most significant greenhouse gasses

emission, comes from the exhaust of an automobile. Catalytic converter plays a vital

role in the reduction of such greenhouse gasses. The objective of the present study is

to examine an automobile catalytic convertor to present a detail and comprehensive

report on the key parameters affecting the flow uniformity inside the converter and

thus attempting to achieve minimum pressure drop across the converter to reduce the

backpressure. The catalytic converter geometry is modified to increase the conversion

efficiency of the converter. The results reported in the latter part of this paper gives a

good insight about the recirculation zones created in the base and also velocity and

pressure plots to find a solution for uniform flow within the monolith and also achieved

a reduction in pressure drop of 3.7 Pa.