Pollution control device and method of servicing same

Abstract

This device is a pollution control device for reducing harmful emissions found in combustion gases. The device has a body having a first portion and a second portion, releasably connected together to form a chamber therebetween. The device also has an exhaust gas inlet, and an exhaust gas outlet. The pollution control device has at least one web member across the chamber, and a plurality of catalytic converter elements held in the web member. In use, exhaust gases pass through the catalytic converter elements when passing through the chamber between the exhaust gas inlet and outlet.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A pollution control device for reducing harmful emissions found in combustion gases, said device comprising: 
 a body having a first portion and a second portion releasably connected together to form a chamber therebetween,    an exhaust gas inlet on said body,    an exhaust gas outlet from said body,    at least one web member across said chamber, and    a plurality of catalytic converter elements held in said web member;    wherein said exhaust gases pass through said catalytic converter elements when passing through said chamber from said inlet to said outlet.    
     
     
         2 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said catalytic converter elements define an exhaust gas flow through area which is sufficient to prevent a significant pressure drop between said inlet and said outlet.  
     
     
         3 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said chamber includes at least two webs extending thereacross, each of said webs having a plurality of catalytic converter elements.  
     
     
         4 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said plurality of catalytic converter elements on each of said webs is the same.  
     
     
         5 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said plurality of catalytic converter elements on each of said webs is different.  
     
     
         6 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said catalytic converter elements are releasably held in said web.  
     
     
         7 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said catalytic converter elements are fixed in said web.  
     
     
         8 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said chamber includes a flow control means to improve a flow of said exhaust gases through said chamber.  
     
     
         9 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said flow control means comprises a baffle.  
     
     
         10 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said flow control baffle is a conical baffle extending from said inlet.  
     
     
         11 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 1  further including at least one gas injection port in said chamber.  
     
     
         12 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 11  further including a blower associated with said at least one gas injection port.  
     
     
         13 . A pollution control device as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said at least one gas injection port is adjacent to said web, said injected gas facilitating a reaction causing a reduction of pollution.  
     
     
         14 . A method of servicing a pollution control device comprising: 
 a) supporting said device in place;    b) separating a first portion from a second portion;    c) removing and replacing a web and associated catalytic conversion elements; and    d) releasably attaching said first and second portions together again.    
     
     
         15 . A pollution control device for reducing harmful emissions found in combustion gases said device comprising: 
 a body having an inlet and an outlet and a chamber formed between;    a web forming a barrier across the chamber between the inlet and the outlet, and having a plurality of openings formed therein; and    a plurality of catalytic converter elements held in said openings in said web member;    wherein said exhaust gases are forced by said web to pass through said catalytic converter elements.