Baffle plate devices for sensor flow improvement in exhaust gas aftertreatment systems

An exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus, comprising:

• an outlet conduit configured to provide a flow path to the atmosphere for exhaust gas treated to reduce pollutants;
• a sensor mounting plate attached to a wall of the outlet conduit and comprising a plurality of sensor bosses each disposed proximate a sensor aperture through the sensor mounting plate and the wall and configured to be coupled to one of a plurality of sensors such that a tip of each of the sensors extends into the flow path;
• and
• a baffle plate device comprising:
• first and second side extensions mounted to respective interior and opposing portions of the outlet conduit, spaced from first and second ones of the sensors, respectively, and configured to deflect a portion of the treated exhaust gas in the flow path towards the tips of the first and second ones of the sensors, respectively;
• and
• a baffle aperture disposed between the first and second side extensions and configured to permit passage of another portion of the treated exhaust gas in the flow path, wherein the tip of a third one of the sensors is configured to extend into the outlet conduit beyond the baffle aperture.

A method for controlling airflow in an exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus, the method comprising:

• providing a baffle plate device comprising first and second side extensions;
• positioning the baffle plate device within an outlet conduit of the exhaust gas aftertreatment apparatus such that the first and second side extensions are:
• disposed opposite and spaced apart from at least a portion of first and second ones of a plurality of sensors that extend through a plurality of sensor apertures in one or more of a sensor mounting plate or a wall of the outlet conduit;
• and
• angled to deflect a first portion of treated exhaust gas in a flow path within the outlet conduit towards at least a portion of the first and second ones of the sensors;
• and
• attaching the first and second side extensions of the positioned baffle plate device to respective interior portions of the wall of the outlet conduit.