Durable Catalytic Converter Mounting with Protective and Support Seals 2006-01-3419

Advanced substrate design, efficient washcoat/catalyst formulation and robust packaging are critical elements to assure performance and durability of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters. Radial seals, axial seals and L-seals made of knitted wiremesh are used with conventional mounting systems to provide compressible and durable support cushions for catalyst and filter substrates. Axial and radial mounting forces of the seals are optimized by material type, seal density, wiremesh strand, wiremesh surface profile (flat or round), wiremesh surface characteristics, wiremesh temper, thermal impacts, and wiremesh geometry. Compression characteristics of stainless steel alloy A286 tremendously increase (>20%) during heat treatment as precipitation and hardening occurs. Compression force tends to stabilize during cycling, retaining a residual force. Radial seals provide radial mounting pressure and mat erosion protection. V-seal is an exhaust gas blocking seal used with stainless steel knitted wiremesh support to prevent exhaust gas from bypassing the ceramic monolith in catalytic converter. L-seals provide combination of axial and radial mounting force for the converter whereas axial seals are designed to provide only axial supports. L-seals are designed to insert before or after stuffing the substrates in the converter assembly.