Method and apparatus for reducing pollutants

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for improving the conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel to at least reduce pollutants from incomplete combustion, wherein the reduction in pollutants is achieved by the introduction of ozone, upstream from the catalytic converter, to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In a method of processing exhaust gases formed from combustion of diesel fuel wherein the exhaust gases are passed through an exhaust passageway and thereafter through at least one device provided for reducing products of incomplete combustion in the exhaust gases, the improvement comprising: 
 positioning at least a portion of at least one generator, which produces ozone in ambient air, in the exhaust passageway;    providing high frequency current to the generator;    exposing at least a portion of the exhaust gases to the effects of the generator; and    passing at least a portion of the exhaust gases exposed to the effects of the generator through at least a portion of the device;    thereby enhancing a decrease in the concentration of at least one product of incomplete combustion in the exhaust gases.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to    claim 1   , further comprising:  
       positioning the device a predetermined distance downstream of the generator.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to    claim 2   , used for treating the exhaust gases produced by at least one diesel engine.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to    claim 3   , applied to the exhaust system of a mobile vehicle.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to    claim 1   , wherein the generator consumes low power.  
     
     
         6 . The method according to    claim 3   , wherein the generator consumes approximately 0.01% to approximately 0.1% of the rated engine power.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to    claim 1   , wherein the high frequency current has a frequency of at least about 1,000 Hertz.  
     
     
         8 . The method according to    claim 6    conducted in the absence of any reducing agent added to the exhaust gases prior to their exposure to the generator.  
     
     
         9 . The method according to    claim 1   , wherein the generator is continuously powered whenever exhaust gases are present.  
     
     
         10 . The method according to    claim 1   , wherein the device comprises honeycombed, monolithic substrates.  
     
     
         11 . The method according to    claim 10   , wherein the honeycombed, monolithic substrates contain catalytically active material.  
     
     
         12 . The method according to    claim 1   , wherein the generator comprises an electric discharge device.  
     
     
         13 . The method according to    claim 12   , wherein the electric discharge device comprises a corona discharge device.  
     
     
         14 . In a device for processing exhaust gases formed from combustion of diesel fuel wherein the exhaust gases are passed through an exhaust passageway and thereafter through at least one device provided for decreasing products of incomplete combustion in the exhaust gases, the improvement comprising: 
 at least a portion of at least one generator, which produces ozone in ambient air, positioned in the exhaust passageway;    a power supply which provides high frequency current to the generator; whereby in at least a portion of the exhaust gases exposed to the effects of the generator and passed through the device, there is an enhanced decrease in the concentration of at least one product of incomplete combustion.    
     
     
         15 . The device according to    claim 14   , wherein at least a portion of the device is positioned downstream of the generator.  
     
     
         16 . The device according to    claim 15   , used for treating the exhaust gases produced by at least one diesel engine.  
     
     
         17 . The device according to    claim 16   , applied to the exhaust system of a mobile vehicle.  
     
     
         18 . The device according to    claim 14   , wherein the generator consumes low power.  
     
     
         19 . The device according to    claim 16   , wherein the generator consumes approximately 0.01% to approximately 0.1% of the rated engine power.  
     
     
         20 . The device according to    claim 14   , wherein the high frequency current has a frequency of at least about 1,000 Hertz.  
     
     
         21 . The device according to    claim 14   , wherein no reducing agent is added to the exhaust gases prior to their exposure to the generator.  
     
     
         22 . The device according to    claim 14   , wherein the generator is continuously powered whenever exhaust gases are present.  
     
     
         23 . The device according to    claim 14   , wherein the device comprises honeycombed, monolithic substrates.  
     
     
         24 . The device according to    claim 23   , wherein the honeycombed, monolithic substrates contain catalytically active material.  
     
     
         25 . The device according to    claim 21   , wherein the generator comprises an electric discharge device.  
     
     
         26 . The device according to    claim 25   , wherein the electric discharge device comprises a corona discharge device.