Insulated main nh3 cartridge system with separate start-up unit

An ammonia dosing system for the reduction of NOx in an exhaust stream, the system comprising:

• a closed housing positioned separate from the start-up cartridge in the system;
• a plurality of main cartridges contained within the housing mantle, the main cartridges containing pre-determined amount of an ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material;
• a start-up cartridge having a cover, the start-up cartridge containing a pre-determined amount of the ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material, the start-up cartridge being positioned separate from the housing;
• and,
• wherein the start-up cartridge is heated at start-up of an engine for initial release of ammonia gas from the ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material stored therein and prior to the heating activation of the main cartridges within the closed housing, and wherein the start-up cartridge is cooled and replenished with ammonia gas prior to the main cartridges.

A method for delivering ammonia gas to an exhaust stream of a vehicle for the reduction of NOx, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an insulated mantle containing at least one main cartridge storing an ammonia-containing material;
• providing a start-up cartridge outside of the mantle, the start-up cartridge storing an ammonia-containing material;
• activating the start-up cartridge to release ammonia gas from the ammonia-containing material;
• directing a flow of ammonia gas from the ammonia-containing material in the start-up cartridge for delivery into the exhaust stream;
• utilizing a portion of the ammonia gas released from the start-up cartridge in reducing NOx in the exhaust stream;
• activating the main cartridge to release ammonia gas from the ammonia-containing material for delivery into the exhaust stream;
• cooling the start-up cartridge;
• and,
• recharging the start-up cartridge with ammonia gas.