# US 2014/0193307 A1 · Catalytic converter for confined areas > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0193307 A1 - Document ID: US20140193307A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/736,004 - Filed: 2013-01-07 - Published: 2014-07-10 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-07 - Assignees: Umm Al-Qura University - Applicants: Umm Al-Qura University - Inventors: TURKI MOHAMMED ABDULKAREEM HABEEBULLAH; ATEF MOHAMED FATHY MOHAMED; IBRAHIM HUSSEIN ABD EL-RAHIM - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140193307A1 ## CPC - B01D 53/9431: {Processes characterised by a specific device} - B01D 53/88: Handling or mounting catalysts - B01D 53/9418: {for removing nitrogen oxides by selective catalytic reduction [SCR] using a reducing agent in a lean exhaust gas} - B01D 2251/2067: Urea - B01D 2255/1021: Platinum - B01D 2255/1023: Palladium - B01D 2255/1025: Rhodium - B01D 2259/4508: for cleaning air in buildings - Y02A 50/20: Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters - Y02T 10/12: Improving ICE efficiencies - B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28) - Y02A: TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE - Y02T: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION ## Abstract The catalytic converter for confined areas is installed with a vehicular tunnel, parking garage, or other confined area subject to motor vehicle operation therein. The converter catalyzes internal combustion engine exhaust by-products by selective catalytic reduction. The heat required for the catalytic reaction is provided by an electric heater installed with the converter, the converter being thermally insulated to retain the heat. The carbon dioxide and water vapor resulting from the catalytic reactions are gathered by the same fan or pump and the water vapor condensed to liquid form, and distributed to vegetation external to and adjacent to the tunnel or enclosure. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A catalytic converter for installation with a confined area, the confined area comprising a fixed, stationary structure containing exhaust gases from motor vehicle operations therein, the catalytic converter comprising: a housing having a substantially closed first end, an outlet end opposite the first end, and a plurality of inlet passages disposed between the first end and the outlet end, the inlet passages communicating with the confined area, the housing being adapted for installation within the confined area; a reservoir containing urea in aqueous solution; a pump connected between the reservoir and the first end of the housing, the pump being configured for pumping the urea solution through the housing; a plurality of catalytic converter elements disposed within the housing, the catalytic converter elements having a coating of a precious metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, and rhodium; and at least one electric heating element disposed within the housing, the heating element being configured for maintaining a temperature between 200° and 300° C. within the housing; wherein the catalytic converter is adapted for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon pollutants in vehicle exhaust emissions entering the housing through the inlet passages. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The catalytic converter for a confined area according to claim 1, further comprising: a condenser disposed adjacent the outlet end, the condenser condensing liquid water from water vapor produced by the selective catalytic reduction of the vehicle emissions; and a pump adjacent the outlet end for pumping carbon dioxide produced by the selective catalytic reduction of the vehicle emissions and the condensed water to vegetation adjacent the confined area. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The catalytic converter for a confined area according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a ceramic shell disposed about the catalytic converter elements, the ceramic shell providing thermal insulation. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The catalytic converter for a confined area according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises an elongated tubular structure. ### Claim 5 A confined area, comprising: an elongated motor vehicle tunnel; and a selective catalytic reduction converter disposed in the tunnel, the converter having air inlets for the passage of motor vehicle emissions into the converter for the reduction of NOx and volatile hydrocarbons in the tunnel. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The confined area according to claim 5, wherein said selective catalytic reduction converter comprises: a housing having a substantially closed first end, an outlet end opposite the first end, and a plurality of inlet passages disposed between the first end and the outlet end, the inlet passages communicating with the confined area, the housing being adapted for installation within the confined area; a reservoir containing urea in aqueous solution; a pump connected between the reservoir and the first end of the housing, the pump being configured for pumping the urea solution through the housing; a plurality of catalytic converter elements disposed within the housing, the catalytic converter elements having a coating of a precious metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, and rhodium; and at least one electric heating element disposed within the housing, the heating element being configured for maintaining a temperature between 200° and 300° C. within the housing. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The catalytic converter for a confined area according to claim 6, further comprising: a condenser disposed adjacent the outlet end, the condenser condensing liquid water from water vapor produced by the selective catalytic reduction of the vehicle emissions; and a pump adjacent the outlet end for pumping carbon dioxide produced by the selective catalytic reduction of the vehicle emissions and the condensed water to vegetation adjacent the confined area. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The catalytic converter for a confined area according to claim 6, wherein the housing comprises a ceramic shell disposed about the catalytic converter elements, the ceramic shell providing thermal insulation. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The catalytic converter for a confined area according to claim 6, wherein said housing comprises an elongated tubular structure.