# US 8,539,761 B2 · Flow device for exhaust treatment system

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- Number: US 8,539,761 B2
- Document ID: US8539761B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/846,252
- Filed: 2010-07-29
- Published: 2011-07-14
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2010-01-12
- Assignees: Donaldson Company, Inc.
- Applicants: Jérôme Lebas; Stanislas Le Tallec; Antoine Provost; Stéphane Le Merdy; Phebe Helena Preethi; Paul Anthony Way
- Inventors: Jérôme Lebas; Stanislas Le Tallec; Antoine Provost; Stéphane Le Merdy; Phebe Helena Preethi; Paul Anthony Way
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8539761B2

## CPC

- F01N 3/2892: {Exhaust flow directors or the like, e.g. upstream of catalytic device}
- B01F 23/2132: {using nozzles}
- B01F 25/3131: {with additional mixing means other than injector mixers, e.g. screens, baffles or rotating elements}
- B01F 25/45: Mixers in which the materials to be mixed are pressed together through orifices or interstitial spaces, e.g. between beads (B01F25/44 takes precedence)
- B01F 25/4521: {the components being pressed through orifices in elements, e.g. flat plates or cylinders, which obstruct the whole diameter of the tube}
- F01N 3/2066: {Selective catalytic reduction [SCR]}
- F01N 2240/20: a flow director or deflector
- Y02A 50/20: Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters
- F01N: GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES (arrangements in connection with gas exhaust of propulsion units in vehicles B60K13/00; combustion-air intake silencers specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines F02M35/00; protecting against, or damping, noise in general G10K11/16)
- B01F: MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING (mixing paints B44D3/06)
- Y02A: TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

## Abstract

An exhaust treatment system includes an exhaust conduit for conveying exhaust gases from an engine of a vehicle. An aftertreatment device is disposed in the exhaust conduit. A flow device is disposed upstream of the aftertreatment device. The flow device includes a base having a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface. The base defines a plurality of openings. A plurality of flow deflectors is engaged to the base at the plurality of openings. Each flow deflector includes a first deflector that extends outwardly from the first surface of the base and a second deflector that extends outwardly from the second surface of the base. The first and second deflectors define a passage. Flow of exhaust gases through the passage cause exhaust gases to swirl about a longitudinal axis of the exhaust conduit.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A flow device comprising:
a plate having a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface, the plate defining a plurality of openings; and
a plurality of flow deflectors engaged to the plate at the plurality of openings, each flow deflector including a first scoop shaped deflector that extends outwardly from the first surface of the plate and a second scoop shaped deflector that extends outwardly from the second surface of the plate, each pair of the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector defining a flow turning passage with a passage axis, the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector at least partially facing each other about the passage axis, wherein flow of exhaust gases through the flow turning passage causes the exhaust gases to swirl about a central axis of the plate that is non-parallel to the first surface of the plate.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The flow device of claim 1, wherein the passage axis is disposed at an angle α with respect to the plate, the angle α being less than 90 degrees.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The flow device of claim 1, wherein the passage axis is disposed at an angle α with respect to the plate, the angle αbeing in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The flow device of claim 1, wherein the first and second scoop shaped deflectors of each of the plurality of flow deflectors are oppositely disposed about a corresponding one of the plurality of openings.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The flow device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second scoop shaped deflectors includes a surface with compound curvature.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The flow device of claim 1, wherein the plate further defines a flow blocking portion that blocks the flow of the exhaust gases along the central axis of the plate.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The flow device of claim 1, wherein the flow deflectors include a first plurality of flow deflectors and a second plurality of flow deflectors, the first plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a first radial distance from the central axis, the second plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a second radial distance from the central axis, wherein the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The flow device of claim 7, wherein a body of the flow device defines a plurality of notches disposed at a periphery of the plate, the notches extending through the first and second surfaces of the plate.

### Claim 9

A flow device comprising:
a plate having a first side and an oppositely disposed second side, the plate defining a plurality of holes; and
a plurality of flow deflectors engaged to the plate at the plurality of holes, each of the flow deflectors including a first scoop shaped deflector that extends outwardly from the first side of the plate and a second scoop shaped deflector that extends outwardly from the second side of the plate, each pair of the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector defining a flow turning passage with a passage axis, the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector at least partially facing each other about the passage axis, wherein flow of exhaust gases through the flow turning passage causes the exhaust gases to swirl about a central axis of the plate.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is a oval hole.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein the passage axis is disposed at an angle α with respect to the plate, the angle α being less than 90 degrees.

### Claim 12 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein the passage axis is disposed at an angle α with respect to the plate, the angle α being in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

### Claim 13 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein the flow deflectors include a first plurality of flow deflectors and a second plurality of flow deflectors, the first plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a first radial distance from the central axis, the second plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a second radial distance from the central axis, wherein the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance.

### Claim 14 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second scoop shaped deflectors includes a surface with compound curvature.

### Claim 15 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein the plate further defines a flow blocking portion that blocks the flow of the exhaust gases along the central axis of the plate.

### Claim 16 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector of each of the pairs is oppositely arranged about a corresponding one of the plurality of holes.

### Claim 17 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector of each of the pairs include a concave portion and wherein the concave portions of the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector face in opposite directions and toward the passage axis and thereby cooperated to define the flow turning passage.

### Claim 18 (depends on 9)

The flow device of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second scoop shaped deflectors includes a perimeter having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the perimeter extends around a portion of the hole, wherein the first portion of the first scoop shaped deflector is engaged to the first side of the plate at the hole, and wherein the first portion of the second scoop shaped deflector is engaged to the second side of the plate at the hole.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The flow device of claim 18, wherein the first portion of the perimeter of each of the first and second scoop shaped deflectors is monolithic with the plate at the hole.

### Claim 20 (depends on 18)

The flow device of claim 18, wherein the second portion of the perimeter of the first scoop shaped deflector and the second portion of the perimeter of the second scoop shaped deflector face in opposite directions.

### Claim 21 (depends on 18)

The flow device of claim 18, wherein the second portion of the perimeter of each of the first and second scoop shaped deflectors extends across the hole.

### Claim 22 (depends on 21)

The flow device of claim 21, wherein the second portion of the perimeter of each of the first and second scoop shaped deflectors is disposed outwardly from the plate.

### Claim 23 (depends on 22)

The flow device of claim 22, wherein the second portion of the perimeter includes a parabolic shape.

### Claim 24 (depends on 22)

The flow device of claim 22, wherein the second portion of the perimeter of each of the first scoop shaped deflectors extends outwardly from the first side of the plate and wherein the second portion of the perimeter of each of the second scoop shaped deflectors extends outwardly from the second side of the plate.

### Claim 25 (depends on 24)

The flow device of claim 24, wherein a central location along the second portion of the perimeter of each of the first and second scoop shaped deflectors is a farthest extending location along the second portion of the perimeter from the plate.

### Claim 26

An exhaust treatment system comprising:
an exhaust conduit for conveying exhaust gases from an engine of a vehicle, the exhaust conduit defining a longitudinal axis;
an aftertreatment device disposed in the exhaust conduit;
a flow device disposed upstream of the aftertreatment device, wherein the flow device includes:
a plate having a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface, the plate defining a plurality of openings, the first surface of the plate being non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exhaust conduit; and
a plurality of flow deflectors engaged to the plate at the plurality of openings, each flow deflector including a first scoop shaped deflector that extends outwardly from the first surface of the plate and a second scoop shaped deflector that extends outwardly from the second surface of the plate, each pair of the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector defining a flow turning passage with a passage axis, the first scoop shaped deflector and the second scoop shaped deflector at least partially facing each other about the passage axis, wherein flow of exhaust gases through the flow turning passage causes the exhaust gases to swirl about the longitudinal axis of the exhaust conduit.

### Claim 27 (depends on 26)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 26, wherein the first and second scoop shaped deflectors of at least one of the plurality of flow deflectors are oppositely disposed about a corresponding one of the plurality of openings.

### Claim 28 (depends on 26)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 26, wherein each of the first and second scoop shaped deflectors includes a surface with compound curvature.

### Claim 29 (depends on 26)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 26, wherein the plate further defines a flow blocking portion that blocks the flow of the exhaust gases along the longitudinal axis of the exhaust conduit.

### Claim 30 (depends on 26)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 26, wherein the flow deflectors include a first plurality of flow deflectors and a second plurality of flow deflectors, the first plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a first radial distance from a central axis of the plate, the second plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a second radial distance from the central axis, wherein the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance.

### Claim 31 (depends on 30)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 30, wherein a body of the flow device defines a plurality of notches disposed at a periphery of the plate, the notches extending through the first and second surfaces of the plate.

### Claim 32 (depends on 26)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 26, further comprising a baffle disposed between the flow device and the aftertreatment device, wherein the baffle includes a diameter restriction portion.

### Claim 33 (depends on 32)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 32, wherein the diameter restriction portion is frusto-spherical.

### Claim 34 (depends on 32)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 32, wherein the baffle includes a body defining a central opening having an inner diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the exhaust conduit.

### Claim 35 (depends on 34)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 34, wherein the baffle includes a plurality of openings disposed about a central axis of the body, the plurality of openings being disposed between the inner diameter of the central opening and an outer diameter of the body.

### Claim 36

A flow device comprising:
a base having a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface, the base defining a plurality of openings; and
a plurality of flow deflectors engaged to the base at the plurality of openings, each flow deflector including a first deflector that extends outwardly from the first surface of the base and a second deflector that extends outwardly from the second surface, the first deflector and the second deflector defining a passage, wherein flow of exhaust gases through the passage causes the exhaust gases to swirl about a central axis of the base;
wherein the flow deflectors include a first plurality of flow deflectors and a second plurality of flow deflectors, the first plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a first radial distance from the central axis, the second plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a second radial distance from the central axis, wherein the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance;
wherein a body of the flow device defines a plurality of notches disposed at a periphery of the base, the notches extending through the first and second surfaces of the base; and
wherein the second plurality of flow deflectors is aligned with the plurality of notches.

### Claim 37 (depends on 36)

The flow device of claim 36, wherein the flow deflectors of the first plurality of flow deflectors and the notches are alternately arranged about the central axis.

### Claim 38

An exhaust treatment system comprising:
an exhaust conduit for conveying exhaust gases from an engine of a vehicle;
an aftertreatment device disposed in the exhaust conduit;
a flow device disposed upstream of the aftertreatment device, wherein the flow device includes:
a base having a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface, the base defining a plurality of openings; and
a plurality of flow deflectors engaged to the base at the plurality of openings, each flow deflector including a first deflector that extends outwardly from the first surface of the base and a second deflector that extends outwardly from the second surface, the first deflector and the second deflector defining a passage, wherein flow of exhaust gases through the passage causes the exhaust gases to swirl about a longitudinal axis of the exhaust conduit;
wherein the flow deflectors include a first plurality of flow deflectors and a second plurality of flow deflectors, the first plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a first radial distance from a central axis of the base, the second plurality of flow deflectors being disposed at a second radial distance from the central axis, wherein the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance;
wherein a body of the flow device defines a plurality of notches disposed at a periphery of the base, the notches extending through the first and second surfaces of the base; and
wherein the second plurality of flow deflectors is aligned with the plurality of notches.

### Claim 39 (depends on 38)

The exhaust treatment system of claim 38, wherein the flow deflectors of the first plurality of flow deflectors and the notches are alternately arranged about the central axis.