Reductant nozzle with spiral channel design

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reducing agent nozzle with a spiral channel design. A nozzle includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes at least a first inlet and a second inlet, and the second end includes a plurality of outlets. An outer surface extends from the first end of the nozzle to the second end. A plurality of blades are arranged on the outer surface and extend from the first end of the nozzle to the second end. A plurality of channels are formed along the outer surface of the nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment system, and more particularly, to a nozzle for injecting a reductant solution into a fluid path within an exhaust gas treatment system. Background Art

[0002] Internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines, gasoline engines, gaseous fuel powered engines and other engines known in the art, emit a complex mixture of components. These components can include nitrogen oxides (NO x ), such as NO and NO2. As concerns about avoiding environmental pollution increase, exhaust emission standards have become more stringent, and NO emitted from an engine may be regulated according to engine size, engine category, and / or engine type. x To ensure compliance with regulations for these compounds, as well as to reduce harmful effects on the environment, some engine manufacturers have implemented a strategy known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). SCR is a process in which a gaseous and / or liquid reductant, most commonly urea ((NH2)2CO), is selectively added to the engine exhaust using one or more nozzles. The injected reductant decomposes into ammonia (NH3), which reacts with NO in the exhaust gas. X React to form water (H2O) and diatomic nitrogen (N2).

[0003] Inoue's U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0108838, published on April 21, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as the '838 reference), describes a nozzle that is intended to inhibit urea deposition and growth. The nozzle of the '838 reference includes an opening from which pressurized air is discharged. The discharged pressurized air travels from the opening along the side surface of the nozzle and reaches an injection port where urea solution exits the nozzle. The '838 reference explains that the pressurized air is used to remove urea solution from the nozzle, and in doing so, minimizes the accumulation of urea solution near the injection port.

[0004] Although the nozzle of the '838 reference may attempt to inhibit the growth of urea at the nozzle port, the inhibition may not be optimal. For example, the side surface of the '838 reference is curved and outside the nozzle. Such an outer surface may not be able to guide or otherwise direct at least some of the pressurized air toward the urea solution injection port. As a result, urea solution may accumulate at the nozzle tip and may clog the injection port, hindering the performance of the nozzle. In addition, because the pressurized air siphons air from the air source that mixes with the urea, the amount of air available for mixing with the urea solution or the speed of the air mixed with the urea may be reduced. As a result, atomization of urea within the nozzle may be hindered. In addition, the '838 reference describes a nozzle having multiple different and assembled components, and such a nozzle configuration may increase the size, complexity, assembly time, and / or manufacturing cost of the nozzle.

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle includes: a first end having a first inlet and a second inlet, a second end having a plurality of outlets, an outer surface extending from the first end of the nozzle to the second end of the nozzle, a plurality of blades disposed on the outer surface, and at least one of the plurality of blades extends from the first end of the nozzle to the second end of the nozzle. The plurality of blades may include a sidewall and a radially outermost surface. The nozzle further includes a housing, the housing including a first end, a second end, and an inner surface extending from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and coupled to the radially outermost surface of a single blade of the plurality of blades. A plurality of channels are disposed around the outer surface of the nozzle, wherein the plurality of channels may be at least partially defined by a first sidewall of a first blade of the plurality of blades, a second sidewall of a second blade of the plurality of blades opposite to the first sidewall, the outer surface of the nozzle, and the inner surface of the housing.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle includes: a first end including a first inlet and a second inlet; a second end including a plurality of outlets; an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end; and a plurality of vanes arranged on the outer surface. The plurality of vanes may extend from the first end to the second end, and each vane of the plurality of vanes forms a portion of a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels along the outer surface of the nozzle.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe configured to receive exhaust gas from an engine, a nozzle located in the exhaust pipe, and a supply line fluidly connected to the nozzle to supply a reductant and air to the nozzle. The nozzle includes: a first end, a second end, an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end, a plurality of injection outlets located at the second end, and a plurality of blades arranged along the outer surface and extending radially outward from the outer surface. The plurality of blades can extend from the first end of the nozzle to the second end, and each of the plurality of blades forms a portion of a corresponding channel in a plurality of channels arranged along the outer surface of the nozzle. The plurality of blades can extend spirally from the first end of the nozzle to the second end of the nozzle around the central longitudinal axis of the nozzle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exhaust treatment system illustrating an exemplary nozzle and an exemplary nozzle housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A top perspective view of the nozzle.

[0011] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a nozzle.

[0012] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Side view of the nozzle.

[0013] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Top view of the nozzle.

[0014] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Bottom view of the nozzle.

[0015] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A top perspective view of the nozzle housing.

[0016] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of the nozzle housing.

[0017] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Side view of the nozzle housing.

[0018] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a nozzle and a nozzle housing showing a nozzle arranged in a nozzle housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 0026] Figure 2 is a side view of a nozzle and a nozzle housing showing a nozzle arranged in a nozzle housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 0026] Figure 2 is a top view of a nozzle and a nozzle housing showing a nozzle arranged in a nozzle housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 0026] Figure 2 is a bottom view of a nozzle and a nozzle housing showing a nozzle arranged in a nozzle housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig.14 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the nozzle.

[0023] Fig.15According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A perspective view of the negative space within the nozzle.

[0024] Fig.16 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Fig.15 Perspective drawing of negative space.

[0025] Fig.17 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Fig.15 A top perspective view of the nozzle.

[0026] Fig.18 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the inner cavity of the nozzle, showing the directional flow of air and reductant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention generally relates to a nozzle for injecting a mixture of a reducing agent and air into an exhaust gas flow. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings to represent the same or similar features. In the drawings, the leftmost digit of a reference numeral identifies the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears.

[0028] Figure 1 An example exhaust system 100 is shown. For purposes of the present disclosure, the exhaust system 100 is depicted and described as being used with a diesel fueled internal combustion engine. However, it is contemplated that the exhaust system 100 may be embodied as any exhaust system that may be used with any other type of internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline or gas fuel powered engine, or an engine fueled by compressed or liquefied natural gas, propane, or methane.

[0029] The exemplary exhaust system 100 includes components for regulating combustion byproducts. Exhaust gas 102 may be generated by an engine (not shown) and may enter the exhaust system 100 via an exhaust inlet 104 of an exhaust pipe 106. Upon entering the exhaust system 100, the exhaust gas 102 may pass within the exhaust pipe 106 in the direction of arrow 108 and may exit the exhaust system 100 via an exhaust outlet 110.

[0030] The exhaust system 100 may include a treatment system 112 that removes regulated components from and / or acts on the exhaust gas 102. That is, within the exhaust pipe 106, the exhaust gas 102 may undergo one or more treatment processes. For example, the treatment process may include converting NO into NO2.

[0031] A portion of the treatment system 112 is shown in greater detail in an enlarged view 114. Among other components, the treatment system 112 may include a nozzle 116 configured to inject a reductant solution into the exhaust gas 102. The nozzle 116 may include a first end 118 and a second end 120. The first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may be fluidly located upstream of the second end 120 of the nozzle 116.

[0032] In some cases, nozzle 116 may be located within nozzle housing 122. Figure 1 As shown, the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may extend through an opening in the nozzle housing 122 such that the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may be exposed to the exhaust gas 102 outside of the nozzle housing 122 .

[0033] The exemplary treatment system 112 may also include a supply line 124. The nozzle 116 may be fluidly connected to the supply line 124 at a first end 118 of the nozzle 116 and via one or more fittings or couplings. For example, the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may include one or more inlets or ports configured to receive a reductant and / or air from the supply line 124. The supply line 124 may support the nozzle 116 at any position (e.g., a fixed position) within the interior passage formed by the exhaust pipe 106. In some examples, the nozzle 116 may be substantially centrally disposed within the exhaust pipe 106. In other examples, the nozzle 116 may be disposed adjacent to and / or adjacent to a wall of the exhaust pipe 106 (e.g., adjacent to and / or adjacent to a wall forming the interior passage of the exhaust pipe 106).

[0034] The supply line 124 may be configured to feed the nozzle 116 with fluid and / or gas for treating the exhaust gas 102. In some examples, the supply line 124 may include a plurality of different supply lines (e.g., the supply line 124 may include a double tube), such as a compressed air line, and a reductant supply line that may be separated from the compressed air line. In such an example, the compressed air line may supply compressed air to the nozzle 116 and the reductant supply line may supply the reductant to the nozzle 116. In some examples, the reductant received by the nozzle 116 may include a gaseous or liquid reductant. For example, the reductant may be ammonia, liquefied anhydrous ammonia, ammonium carbonate, an ammonia salt solution, or a hydrocarbon, such as diesel fuel, which may be injected or otherwise propelled through the nozzle 116 and enter the exhaust gas 102. The treatment system 112 may also include a compressor (not shown) configured to supply compressed air via the supply line 124, and one or more reservoirs and pumps (not shown) configured to supply the reductant via the supply line 124. In some embodiments, the amount of compressed air and / or the amount of reductant supplied may depend on the flow rate of the exhaust gas 102, the operating state of the engine (eg, rpm), the temperature of the exhaust gas 102, the NO in the exhaust gas 102, and the amount of compressed air and / or the amount of reductant supplied.x The pump may be controlled to reduce the amount of reductant and / or air supplied to the nozzle 116 (and thereby introduced into the exhaust gas 102) as the flow rate of the exhaust gas 102 decreases. Alternatively, as the flow rate of the exhaust gas 102 increases, the controller or other control component may increase the amount of reductant and / or air supplied to the nozzle 116.

[0035] In some embodiments, the nozzle 116 may be located downstream of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system within the exhaust system 100 and / or other treatment systems. In addition, the exhaust system 100 and / or the treatment system 112 may include one or more oxidation catalysts, mixing features, a particulate filter (e.g., a diesel particulate filter (DPF)), an SCR substrate, an ammonia reduction catalyst, and a catalyst configured to further enhance the reduction of NO. X Although only one nozzle 116 is shown coupled to the supply line 124, in some embodiments, the exhaust system 100 and / or the treatment system 112 may include more than one nozzle 116. Additionally, the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may be oriented such that the reductant solution may be dispersed substantially in line with the flow of the exhaust gas 102 within the exhaust pipe 106 and / or substantially in the same direction as the flow of the exhaust gas 104 within the exhaust pipe 108. The one or more nozzles 116 may inject the reductant solution into the exhaust gas 102 along a substantially straight section of the exhaust system 100 (e.g., within a substantially straight section of the exhaust pipe 106) to improve mixing of the reductant solution with the exhaust gas 102 and / or to increase the mixing of the reductant solution with NO in the exhaust gas 102. x Furthermore, the exhaust system 100 and / or the treatment system 112 may include more than one supply line 124, and the exhaust system 100 may include any number of exhaust pipes 106 having one or more nozzles 116 and / or one or more supply lines 124 positioned therein.

[0036] In some examples, the nozzle 116 may include one or more channels 126 extending between the first end 118 and the second end 120. In such examples, at least one channel 126 may extend from the first end 118 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. Figure 2 Described in more detail, the nozzle 116 may include a plurality of vanes having sidewalls and a radially outermost surface disposed away from an outer surface of the nozzle 116. One or more passages 126 may be configured to receive the exhaust gas 102 proximate the first end 118 of the nozzle 116. For example, Figure 1The first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may include a width that may be greater than the width of the supply line 124, or a location where the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 is fluidly coupled to the supply line 124. Thus, the exhaust gas 102 may enter the passage 126 at the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 and may flow within the passage 126 and along an outer surface of the nozzle 116. The exhaust gas 102 may exit the passage 126 near the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. In some embodiments, the passage 126 may be spiral (or substantially spiral) about a central longitudinal axis of the nozzle 116 from the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. Figure 2-6 In some examples, one or more channels 126 may have a first cross-sectional area at a first location near first end 118 of nozzle 116 and a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area at a second location near second end 120 of nozzle 116 .

[0037] As discussed in detail herein, the nozzle 116 may be configured to facilitate mixing of the reductant and air to atomize the reductant. The nozzle 116 may also be configured to disperse a solution of the reductant and air into the exhaust gas 102 from a second end 120 of the nozzle 116. More specifically, within the nozzle 116, the air and the reductant may be mixed together by the reductant impacting an impact surface. This process may cause the reductant to break into fine particles or droplets. The nozzle 116 may also be formed and / or configured to direct the mixing of the supplied air and the reductant particles within the nozzle 116, which may further facilitate the atomization of the reductant. In such an example, the air and the reductant may be mixed within the nozzle 116 to form a reductant solution. The nozzle 116 may also be configured to disperse and / or otherwise direct the reductant solution into the exhaust gas 102 through an outlet disposed at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. Thus, when the reductant solution is dispersed into the exhaust gas 102, the reductant solution may be mixed with NO in the exhaust gas 102. x (e.g., NO and / or NO2) react to form water (H2O) and elemental nitrogen (N2).

[0038] In some embodiments, the outlet (or the passages feeding the outlet) at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may be spiral shaped to further enhance mixing of the air and reductant, impart a circular flow to the reductant solution exiting the nozzle 116, or change the plume size of the reductant solution within the exhaust gas 102. In some examples, the reductant solution may be dispersed into a generally conical plume from the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail herein, the passages 126 and the exhaust gas 102 flowing through the passages 126 may help remove excess reductant from the second end 120 of the nozzle 116, thereby preventing the reductant from crystallizing and clogging the outlet.

[0039] In some embodiments, the nozzle 116 and / or the nozzle housing 122 can be manufactured using 3D printing technology or other types of additive manufacturing (e.g., casting molding). However, it is contemplated that one or more components of the nozzle 116 described above may be manufactured by other processes instead. In addition, the nozzle 116 and / or the nozzle housing 122 may be made of a variety of materials, including chrome, nickel, stainless steel, alloys, ceramics, etc. These materials may also be corrosion-resistant and anti-stick materials to prevent the reductant from accumulating on and / or in the nozzle 116.

[0040] Figure 2 A top perspective view of the nozzle 116 is shown, with the nozzle housing 122 omitted for clarity. An outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 may extend between the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 and the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. The outer surface 200 may be a continuous smooth surface with rounded corners and edges. Figure 2 As shown, in some examples, the outer surface 200 at the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may be substantially cylindrical, while the outer surface 200 at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may be substantially conical or substantially dome-shaped. As such, in some exemplary embodiments, the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may have a first cross-sectional area, and the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may have a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area of ​​the first end 118 of the nozzle 116.

[0041] The nozzle 116 may include one or more vanes 202 extending radially from the outer surface 200. The one or more vanes 202 may extend along the outer surface 200 from the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. The vanes 202 may include first and second (e.g., opposing) sidewalls 204, and a radially outermost surface 206 disposed away from the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116. The sidewalls 204 may extend from the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 to the radially outermost surface 206. Figure 2 As shown, the blades 202 can extend helically (e.g., in a spiral, curved, and / or other substantially helical manner or direction) from the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 along the direction of the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. The longitudinal axis 208 can be centrally located within the nozzle. In this way, the radially outermost surfaces 206 of each blade 202 can converge to or toward the longitudinal axis 208 at the second end 120. In addition, the blades 202 can include a helical length along which the sidewalls 204 extend. That is, the sidewalls 204 can extend from the first end 118 to the second end 120 in a substantially helical manner or direction in the direction of the longitudinal axis 208 and extend along the length of the blade 202.

[0042] The blades 202 may define at least a portion of one or more channels 126. Figure 2 As shown, the passage 126 may include a plurality of angled or curved spiral flow passages extending from the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 along the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. The passage 126 may form a plurality of passages through which a portion of the exhaust gas 102 may flow. The passage 126 may be formed between adjacent vanes 202. That is, each passage 126 may be disposed between the sidewalls 204 of adjacent vanes 202. In other words, each passage 126 may be disposed between vanes 202 disposed adjacent to each other on an outer surface. As described above, one or more passages 126 may extend from the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116, and when the radially outermost surfaces 206 of the vanes 202 converge at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116, the distance between adjacent sidewalls 204 may decrease. In this way, the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage 126 at the first end 118 of the nozzle may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage 126 at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. In other words, a distance between adjacent sidewalls 204 of adjacent vanes 202 may decrease as the vanes 202 extend from the first end 118 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 206 and along the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 .

[0043] The second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may include one or more injection channel outlets 210 for dispersing the reductant solution into the exhaust gas 102. The injection channel outlets 210 may be formed on the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116. Each injection channel outlet 210 may be arranged between adjacent sidewalls 204 of adjacent blades 202. In some embodiments, the injection channel outlets 210 may be substantially uniformly distributed around the longitudinal axis 208 (e.g., the central longitudinal axis) of the nozzle 116. As described below, the nozzle 116 may include corresponding flow passages and / or channels to guide the reductant solution from the inner cavity of the nozzle 116 to the one or more injection channel outlets 210.

[0044] The spiral nature of the passage 126 (or vane 202) may help eliminate accumulation of reductant solution or reductant byproducts near or at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 and / or at the injection passage outlet 210. That is, when the exhaust temperature, exhaust velocity, and / or reductant injection velocity are low, droplets of reductant solution may accumulate at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 and / or within the injection passage outlet 210. If left untreated, the formation of such deposits may be an irreversible process and may prevent the reductant solution from flowing out of the clogged injection passage outlet 210. The clog may prevent NO from being removed from the nozzle 116. XThus, the passage 126 may divert the flow of the exhaust gas 102 to create a swirl of the exhaust gas 102 passing through the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 .

[0045] In some cases, because the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may include a smaller cross-sectional area than the first end 118 of the nozzle 116, a low pressure region (e.g., a stagnant region) may form adjacent to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. The low pressure region may cause the reductant solution to accumulate at the second end 120 and / or within the injection passage outlet 210. As the exhaust gas 102 flows through the injection passage outlet 210, the flow of exhaust gas 102 through the passage 126 may create a venturi effect, thereby acting to draw the reductant solution out of the injection passage outlet 210 to reduce crystallization that may occur within and / or on the nozzle 116.

[0046] In addition, the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage 126 can increase the velocity of the exhaust gas 102 flowing within the passage 126. The reduced cross-sectional area can help reduce or eliminate the accumulation of reductant within and / or on the nozzle 116. That is, in situations where the flow rate of the exhaust gas 102 may be low, the spiral nature and reduced cross-section of the passage 126 can increase the velocity of the exhaust gas 102 through the passage 126. This increased velocity can help draw the reductant solution out of the injection passage outlet 210 and / or can substantially prevent the reductant solution from collecting at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the configuration of the passage 126 can induce a swirling action into the exhaust gas 102 and around the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. This swirling action can increase the atomization of the reductant as the reductant solution exits the injection passage outlet 210.

[0047] Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the nozzle 116 is shown, showing the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 in more detail. The first end 120 of the nozzle 118 may include an air passage inlet 300 and a reductant passage inlet 302, the air passage inlet 300 being configured to receive air from a supply line 124, and the reductant passage inlet 302 being separated from the air passage inlet 300 and configured to receive the reductant from the supply line 124. As shown, the air passage inlet 300 and the reductant passage inlet 302 may be substantially annular fluid inlets defined by the nozzle 116. For example, the air passage inlet 300 may extend substantially around the reductant passage inlet 302 and may be substantially similar to a circle or ring around the reductant passage inlet 302 (e.g., concentric with the reductant passage inlet 302). The reductant passage inlet 302 may be substantially centered in the nozzle 116 and may be substantially concentric with the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116.

[0048] In some examples, the air passage inlet 300 can be fluidly connected to the air passage 304 defined by the nozzle 116. The air passage inlet 300 can be configured to supply the air passage 304 with air received from the supply line 124. In addition, the reductant passage inlet 302 can be fluidly connected to the reductant passage 306 defined by the nozzle 116. In these examples, the reductant passage inlet 302 can be configured to supply the reductant received by the supply line 124 to the reductant passage 306. In an exemplary embodiment, the air passage 304 and / or the reductant passage 306 can extend from the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 toward the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 to guide the air and the reductant into the inner cavity of the nozzle 116, respectively. In the inner cavity, the air and the reductant can be mixed to form the above-mentioned reductant solution. The reductant solution can be guided to leave the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 through one or more injection passage outlets 210. The first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may be configured to couple the nozzle 116 to the supply line 124 via threads included in the first end 118 , via a snap fit, via a compression fit, and / or via one or more of the couplings described above.

[0049] Figure 4 A side view of the nozzle 116 is shown. As shown, the nozzle 116 can be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 208. As described above, the outer surface 200 at the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 can be substantially cylindrical, and the outer surface 200 at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 can be substantially conical, substantially dome-shaped, and / or any other configuration. In addition, Figure 4 It is shown that a dimension (eg, width or diameter) of the nozzle 116 may decrease in size from the first end 118 to the second end 120 .

[0050] The vanes 202 are shown extending radially outward from the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116. As described above, the vanes 202 may include first and second sidewalls 204 extending from the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 to a radially outermost surface 206 of the vanes 202. The radially outermost surface 206 of the vanes 202 may define an outer periphery of the nozzle 116. As shown, the outer periphery may resemble a generally frustoconical shape, a generally hemispherical shape, a generally conical shape, and / or any combination thereof.

[0051] The respective radially outermost surfaces 206 of the two or more vanes 202 may converge along the longitudinal axis 208 at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. Disposed between adjacent sidewalls 204 of the vanes 202 may be separate injection passage outlets 210 for dispersing the reductant solution into the exhaust gas 102. Additionally, in some embodiments, the height of the respective sidewalls 204 measured in a direction extending radially outward from the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 to the respective radially outermost surfaces 206 of the vanes 202 may decrease as the vanes 202 extend from the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 208. That is, in the direction along the longitudinal axis 208, at the first end 118 of the nozzle 116, the radially outermost surface 206 of the blade 202 can be arranged to be separated from the outer surface by a first radial distance 200, and at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116, the radially outermost surface 206 of the same blade 202 can be arranged to be separated from the outer surface 200 by a second radial distance less than the first distance.

[0052] The convergence of the vanes 202 may direct the exhaust gas 102 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. The exhaust gas 102 may pass over the injection channel outlet 210 and remove the reductant solution or help disperse the reductant solution into the exhaust pipe 106. In addition, due to the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 126, the velocity of the exhaust gas 102 passing through the channel 126 may increase as the exhaust gas 102 flows through the channel 126 from the first end 118 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. The increase in velocity may generally help remove the reductant solution from the nozzle 116 and may prevent clogging of the injection channel outlet 210 caused by accumulation of the reductant solution near each injection channel outlet 210. In addition, the spiral structure of the channel 126 may reduce the accumulation of the reductant solution in and / or on the nozzle 116. As shown, the separate channels 126 may be disposed between the sidewall 204 of the first blade 202 and the sidewall 204 of the second blade 202 , wherein the sidewall 204 of the first blade 202 and the sidewall 204 of the second blade 202 face each other.

[0053] Figure 51 shows a top view of the nozzle 116 as seen from the second end 120. The second end 120 may include a jet channel outlet 210 for dispersing the reductant solution into the exhaust gas 102. The jet channel outlet 210 may include a plurality of cross-sectional shapes or sizes. For example, the jet channel outlet 210 may be generally conical, generally circular, generally trapezoidal, generally square, generally rectangular, generally oval, and / or any other shape. In some exemplary embodiments, the jet channel outlet 210 and / or the jet channel / passage formed within the nozzle 116 to direct the reductant solution to the jet channel outlet 210 may be spiral, angled, and / or otherwise oriented at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 in a direction radially away from the longitudinal axis 208. That is, in some examples, the jet channel outlet 210 and / or the jet channel may be angled and / or otherwise configured to direct the reductant solution away from the longitudinal axis 208 ( Figure 4 ). This configuration may help disperse the reductant solution within the exhaust gas 102, mix the air and reductant within the nozzle 116, and / or adjust the size of the plume dispersed by the nozzle 116. Additionally, the spiral nature of the passage that directs the reductant solution to the injection passage outlet 210 may cause the reductant solution to exit the nozzle 116 with a swirling motion about the longitudinal axis 208.

[0054] In some examples, the jet channel outlet 210 may be circumferentially disposed around the second end 120 and around the longitudinal axis 208 ( Figure 4 ) are substantially evenly distributed and / or radially spaced apart. In addition, the injection channel outlets 210 may be diametrically opposed to one another so that the reductant solution may be substantially evenly dispersed into the exhaust gas 102 ( Figure 1 ). In addition, each jet channel outlet 210 may be arranged between adjacent blades 202 or between adjacent side walls 204 of adjacent blades 202. In addition, although Figure 5 While eight jet channel outlets 210 are shown, the nozzle 116 may include more or less than eight jet channel outlets 210. For example, the nozzle 116 may include 12 jet channel outlets 210 or 4 jet channel outlets 210.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the respective radially outermost surfaces 206 of two or more blades 202 may converge at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. In some embodiments, the blades 202 may converge at the second end 120 along or at the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. As described above, assuming that the radially outermost surfaces 206 of the blades 202 may converge, the cross-sectional distance between adjacent blades 202 and / or adjacent sidewalls 204 of adjacent blades 202 may decrease from the first end 118 to the second end 120 and in a direction along the longitudinal axis 208. For example, Figure 5 1. As shown at the first end 118 of the nozzle 116, the vanes 202 may be separated by a distance 500 (e.g., a distance between opposing sidewalls 204 of adjacent vanes 202). As the vanes 202 extend along the longitudinal axis 208 from the first end 118 toward the second end 120 of the nozzle 116, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 , showing that the blades 202 may be separated by a distance 502 that is less than the distance 500 (eg, the distance between the opposing sidewalls 204 of adjacent blades 202). Figure 5 A distance 502 is shown measured from a particular location between the first end 118 and the second end 120 (e.g., a respective midpoint of the opposing sidewalls 204), it being understood that the distance 502 merely represents an exemplary distance arranged between the blades 202 to illustrate the convergence of the radially outermost surfaces 206 of the blades 202 at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116.

[0056] Furthermore, the helical length of the blade 202 from the first end 118 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may extend over a range of rotational angles about the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 (e.g., about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 30 degrees, etc.). Additionally, the blade 202 may helix at a constant trajectory along the longitudinal axis 208, or portions of the blade 202 may helix at different trajectories along the longitudinal axis 208.

[0057] The radially outermost surface 206 of the respective vane 202 may be spaced apart from the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 at the first end 118. Thus, the vane 202 may form an inlet to the passage 126. Although the nozzle housing 122 has been removed from the nozzle housing 126 for purposes of clarity, Figure 5 , but it should be understood that the nozzle housing 122 may form a portion of each respective passage 126 described herein. The linear distance between (e.g., extending from) the radially outermost surfaces 206 of the radially opposing vanes 202 at the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may be greater than the linear distance of the outer surface 200 between two radially opposing points at the first end 118 of the nozzle 116. In other words, Figure 5 A linear distance 504 is shown disposed between a point 506 and a point 508, which is diametrically opposed to the point 506 on the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 at the first end 118. In contrast, a linear distance 510 may be disposed between a point 512 on the radially outermost surface 206 of the first vane 202 at the first end 118 and a diametrically opposed point 514 on the radially outermost surface 206 of the second vane 202 at the first end 118. The linear distance 510 may be greater than the linear distance 510 to form an entrance to the passage 126.

[0058] Figure 5It is also shown that the vanes 202 can extend outwardly from the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 in a curved manner relative to the longitudinal axis 208. In some examples, the vanes 202 and / or the sidewalls 204 can extend outwardly in a slightly curved manner around the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116, oriented in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The vanes 202 can be curved by substantially the same amount relative to each other, and the vanes 202 can be arranged to be separated by substantially the same amount from each other (e.g., substantially equidistantly spaced on the outer surface 200 and around the longitudinal axis 208). That is, the first vane 202 and the second vane 202 can be curved by substantially the same amount from the first end 118 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 around the longitudinal axis 208. In such an example, the passage 126 can substantially uniformly direct the exhaust gas 102 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. The blades 202 and / or sidewalls 204 may also have a substantially uniform thickness and may extend radially outward from the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116 at substantially equal lengths at similar locations along the helical length of the blades 202. Figure 5 While the nozzle 116 is shown to include eight passages 126 and eight vanes 202 , the nozzle 116 may include more or less than eight passages 126 or eight vanes 202 .

[0059] Figure 6 A bottom view of the nozzle 116 is shown as viewed from the first end 118 of the nozzle 116. Figure 6 As shown, in some examples, the air passage 304 may be bifurcated, branched, or otherwise divided into a plurality of air passages 600, such as four air passages 600, defined by the nozzle 116. That is, although Figure 3 The air passage 304 is shown having a generally cylindrical shape (as described above) and may extend into the nozzle 116 for a predetermined length in a direction substantially along the longitudinal axis 208 and may branch into two or more air passages 600 defined by the nozzle 116. Each air passage 600 may include a respective air passage inlet 602 defined by the nozzle 116 and may be configured to receive air from the air passage 304. In some exemplary embodiments, the air passages 600 and the air passage inlets 602 may be substantially evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 such that the air passages 600 may be substantially diametrically opposed to each other.

[0060] like Figure 6As shown, one or more air passages 600 may include a cross-sectional area at an air passage inlet 602 that may resemble a substantially curved and / or substantially oval shape. As the air passage 600 extends toward the inner cavity of the nozzle 116 in a direction toward the second end 120 of the nozzle 116, the one or more air passages 600 may taper (e.g., may decrease in diameter) to a corresponding air passage outlet. Additionally, the air passages 600 may be curved, chamfered, frusto-conical, and / or any combination thereof.

[0061] The air passage 600 may be configured to direct air received via the air passage inlet 602 toward the inner cavity of the nozzle 116, wherein the air may be mixed with the reductant supplied by the reductant passage 306. In addition, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage 600 decreases in size as the air passage 600 advances toward the inner cavity 600, the velocity of the air passing through the respective air passage 600 may increase as the air approaches the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. Thus, when injected into the inner cavity, the air may mix with the reductant at an increased velocity to increase atomization of the reductant. In some embodiments, each air passage 600 may include a size and shape similar to one another, such that each air passage 600 receives substantially equal amounts of air from the air passage 304. Furthermore, by having similar sizes and / or shapes, the air supplied by the respective air passages 600 may be substantially uniformly mixed with the reductant, potentially resulting in substantially uniform atomization within the inner cavity of the nozzle 116. Furthermore, although in Figure 6 , an exemplary air passage 304 is shown branching into four air passages 600, the nozzle 116 may include more or less than four air passages 600. For example, in some examples, the nozzle 116 may include more or less than twelve air passages 600.

[0062] Figure 7 A top perspective view of the nozzle housing 122 is shown. The nozzle housing 122 can include a first end 700 and a second end 702. An outer surface 704 of the nozzle housing 122 can extend from the first end 700 to the second end 702. As shown, the outer surface 704 can be curved or tapered from the first end 700 to the second end 702.

[0063] At the second end 702, the nozzle housing 122 may include an orifice 706. The orifice 706 may be substantially circular, substantially oval, and / or any other shape, and the orifice 706 may be configured to receive the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. Figure 1 , and as discussed in detail herein, the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may extend through and / or beyond the orifice 706 such that the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may be disposed outside of the nozzle housing 122 .

[0064] Figure 8 A bottom view of the nozzle housing 122 is shown as viewed from the first end 700. As shown, the nozzle housing 122 may taper from the first end 700 to the second end 702, thereby reducing the cross-sectional size.

[0065] The first end 700 of the nozzle 116 may include an orifice 800 having a diameter 802. Additionally, the nozzle housing 122 may include an inner surface 804 disposed opposite the outer surface 704. The nozzle housing 122 may include a thickness extending between the outer surface 704 and the inner surface 804. The inner surface 804 extends between the first end 700 and the second end 702 of the nozzle housing 122 or between the orifice 706 and the orifice 800.

[0066] As will be discussed herein, in some embodiments, the nozzle 116 and the nozzle housing 122 may be coupled together. For example, the nozzle housing 122 may be configured to be located on the outer periphery of the nozzle 116 formed by the radially outermost surfaces 206 of the blades 202. Fig.11 As shown in more detail in , the diameter 802 of the orifice 800 may be substantially equal to the linear distance 510 to allow the nozzle housing 122 to fit over the nozzle 116 during assembly.

[0067] Fig. 9 A side view of the nozzle housing 122 is shown. The nozzle housing 122 can be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 900 of the nozzle housing 122, and in some examples, the longitudinal axis 900 of the nozzle housing 122 can be substantially co-linear with the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 when the nozzle housing 122 is coupled to the nozzle 116. The nozzle housing 122 can include an outer surface 704 that tapers from the first end 700 to the second end 702 and along the longitudinal axis 900.

[0068] Fig.10 A perspective view of the nozzle 116 is shown showing the nozzle housing 122 disposed over a portion of the nozzle 116. During manufacturing, the first end 700 of the nozzle housing 122 may be advanced over the radially outermost surfaces 206 of the blades 202 from the second end 120 toward the first end 118 of the nozzle 116. In turn, when the radially outermost surfaces 206 of the blades 202 contact the inner surface 804 of the nozzle housing 122, the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may be aligned with the first end 700 of the nozzle housing 122. In other words, during manufacturing, when the first end 700 of the nozzle housing 122 is advanced toward the first end 118 of the nozzle 116, the inner surface 804 of the nozzle housing 122 may be lowered over the respective radially outermost surfaces 206 of the respective blades 202.

[0069] Given the taper of the nozzle housing 122 from the first end 700 to the second end 702, the inner surface 804 of the nozzle housing 122 can rest on the radially outermost surface 206 of the vane 202, thereby preventing the nozzle housing 122 from advancing further toward the first end 118 of the nozzle 116. In addition, because the second end 702 of the nozzle housing 122 includes the orifice 706, the second end 120 of the nozzle housing 122 can extend through the orifice 704, thereby allowing the reductant solution to exit the injection passage outlet 210 and enter the exhaust gas 102. The nozzle 116 and the nozzle housing 122 can be fixed to each other using adhesives, fasteners, welds, etc. In some embodiments, the nozzle housing 122 can be removably attached to the nozzle 116. In addition, in some cases, the nozzle 116 and the nozzle housing 122 can be manufactured as a single component. In embodiments where the nozzle housing 122 is coupled to the nozzle 116, the nozzle housing 122 can help guide the exhaust gas 102 within the passage 126 toward the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. In particular, in such an example, inner surface 804 of nozzle housing 122 may form at least a portion of one or more respective passages 126 to help direct exhaust gas 102 from first end 118 of nozzle 116 toward second end 120 of nozzle 116 .

[0070] Fig.11 A perspective view of the nozzle 116 is shown showing the nozzle housing 122 disposed over a portion of the nozzle 116. As shown, the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 may protrude or extend through the aperture 706 at the second end 702 of the nozzle housing 122. As described above, the nozzle housing 122 may slide over the radially outermost surface 206 of the blade 202 until the first end 700 of the nozzle housing 122 no longer advances toward the first end 118 of the nozzle 116. As a result, the inner surface 804 of the nozzle housing 122 may rest on the radially outermost surface 206 of the blade 202. As such, along the inner surface 804, the radially outermost surface 206 of the respective blade may abut the nozzle housing 122. As such, the curvature of the blade 202 and the curvature of the inner surface 804 may be substantially similar, such that the radially outermost surface 206 of the blade 202 may abut the inner surface 804 of the nozzle housing 122 along the length of the blade 202 (e.g., substantially along the entire length of the blade 202). In some embodiments, the first end 700 of the nozzle housing 122 and the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 may be coplanar.

[0071] Fig.12A top view of the nozzle 116 is shown, showing that the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 extends through the aperture 706 at the second end 702 of the nozzle body 122. In addition, the aperture 706 may be configured to direct the exhaust gas 102 flowing through the passage 126 to exit the passage 126 and pass through the injection passage outlet 210. That is, each passage 126 may include a corresponding outlet adjacent to the second end 702 of the nozzle body 122, whereby the exhaust gas 102 may exit the passage 126 in a swirling nature about the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. The exhaust gas 102 may pass through the corresponding injection passage outlet 210.

[0072] Fig.13 A bottom view of the nozzle 116 is shown, showing the vanes 202 interfaced with the nozzle housing 122. More specifically, Fig.13 It is shown that the radially outermost surface 206 of the vane 202 may be substantially flush aligned with the inner surface 804 of the nozzle body 122. As such, the exhaust gas 102 may pass from the first end 118 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 via the passages 126. In this configuration, each respective passage 126 may be substantially fluidly isolated from the remaining passages 126 formed by the nozzle 116.

[0073] In embodiments where the nozzle 116 and the nozzle housing 122 are coupled together, the individual channels 126 can be enclosed on multiple sides: the outer surface 200 on one side (e.g., the first side); the inner surface 804 of the nozzle housing 122 on one side (e.g., the second lateral side); and the sidewalls 204 of adjacent blades 202 on two sides (e.g., the first sidewall 204 of the first blade 202 and the second sidewall 204 of the second blade 202 opposite the first sidewall 204 of the first blade 202). In this way, the individual channels 126 can be substantially fluidically separated from each other. In addition, Fig.13 It is shown that each passage 126 may include a respective inlet adjacent the first end 118 of the nozzle 116 and the first end 700 of the nozzle housing 122 , whereby the exhaust gas 102 may enter the passage 126 .

[0074] As described above, the vanes 202 may be spiraled about the longitudinal axis 208 from the first end 118 to the second end 120 to induce a swirling motion into the exhaust gas 102 through the passage 126. The spiral nature of the passage 126 may help reduce crystallization of the reductant solution at the injection passage outlet 210 by drawing the reductant solution away from the injection passage outlet 210. Additionally, as the passage 126 tapers, the exhaust gas 102 within the passage 126 may increase in velocity to remove the reductant.

[0075] Fig.14 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 116 and the nozzle housing 122 coupled together. Fig.14As shown, the nozzle 116 can define an inner cavity 1400 disposed within the outer surface 200 of the nozzle 116. As shown, the inner cavity 1400 can be disposed between the first end 118 and the second end 120 of the nozzle 116, but in some cases, can be disposed closer to the second end 120 than the first end 118 of the nozzle 116.

[0076] The inner cavity 1400 can be formed by the nozzle 116, and can be defined by a bottom end 1402, a top end 1404 opposite the bottom end 1402, and a sidewall 1406 formed by the nozzle 116. In such an example, the sidewall 1406 can extend from the bottom end 1402 of the inner cavity 1400 to the top end 1404. In some examples, the inner cavity 1400 can include a structure 1408 and a chamber 1410. For example, the structure 1408 can be substantially centrally located within the inner cavity 1400, and the structure 1408 can be substantially centrally aligned with the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. In some cases, the structure 1408 can extend from the bottom end 1402 of the inner cavity 1400 toward the top end 1404 of the inner cavity 1400. However, in some embodiments, the structure 1408 can extend from the top end 1404 or the sidewall 1406 of the inner cavity 1400.

[0077] like Fig.14 As shown, in some examples, the structure 1408 may include a first side having an impact surface 1412 and a second side opposite the first side having a substantially conical top 1414. In some examples, the impact surface 1412 may be substantially concave and may include a substantially conical surface, a substantially hemispherical surface, and / or a combination thereof. In some examples, the impact surface 1412 may be oriented at an acute angle equal to about 15 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, and / or any other value relative to an axis or plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116.

[0078] The structure 1408 may further also include one or more posts, columns, or legs 1416 extending from a first side of the structure 1408 adjacent to the impact surface 1412. The legs 1416 may offset or support the impact surface 1412 of the structure 1408 above or relative to the reductant passage 306. For example, the legs 1416 may couple the structure 1408 to the bottom end 1402, the top end 1404, and / or the sidewall 1406 to support the impact surface 1412 at any desired distance from the bottom end 1402 of the inner cavity 1400 or away from the reductant passage outlet 1418. In some embodiments, the structure 1408 may include four legs 1416 that are substantially equally spaced (i.e., spaced approximately 90 degrees apart) around the reductant passage 306. However, in some embodiments, the structure 1408 may include more or less than four legs 1416. For example, the structure 1408 may include three legs 1416. Additionally, gaps or spaces may be provided between adjacent legs 1416 .

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the centerline of the reductant passage 306 may be aligned with a center point (or centerline) of an impact surface 1412 of the structure 1408. In such examples, the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 may be substantially centered through the impact surface 1412 and through the reductant passage 306. Additionally, in some embodiments, the impact surface 1412 may include a width similar to the reductant passage 306. However, in some embodiments, the width of the impact surface 1412 may be greater than the width of the reductant passage 306 to account for expansion of the reductant exiting the reductant outlet 1418.

[0080] As described above, the nozzle 116 may include a passage 600 ( Figure 6 ), which terminates in an outlet, and the corresponding outlet of each air passage 600 can be configured to direct air from the air passage 600 into the inner cavity 1400. For example, each air passage 600 can include a corresponding air passage inlet 602 ( Figure 6 ) and corresponding air passageway outlets 1420 that disperse air into the interior cavity 1400. In some embodiments, the air passageway 600 may terminate at the sidewall 1406 of the interior cavity 1400, and in such embodiments, the sidewall 1406 may form an air passageway outlet 1420 that discharges air into the interior cavity 1400.

[0081] In some embodiments, one or more of the air passage outlets 1420 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the reductant passage 306 and / or the reductant passage outlet 1418. In other words, the reductant may enter the inner cavity 1400 axially and / or in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116, while the air may enter the inner cavity 1400 radially and / or in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. Additionally, the air passage outlets 1420 may be substantially equally spaced around the perimeter of the inner cavity 1400.

[0082] The top end 1404 of the inner cavity 1400 can converge (e.g., have a smaller diameter than the bottom end 1402) to direct and accelerate the reductant solution to the injection channel outlet 210. That is, the top end 1404 can converge toward the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. As discussed in detail herein, the channel can direct the reductant solution from the chamber 1410 to the injection channel outlet 210.

[0083] As described above, the legs 1416 can support the impact surface 1412 from the bottom end 1402 of the inner cavity 1400 to allow the reductant to be dispersed from below the structure 1408. In addition, in the case where the structure 1408 includes more than one leg 1416, the gap can separate adjacent legs 1416. In some embodiments, the air passage outlet 1420 can be configured and oriented to disperse air toward the gap arranged between adjacent legs 1416. In some embodiments, each air passage outlet 1420 can be arranged to be opposite to and / or oriented toward the corresponding gap between the legs 1416. As such, the air passage outlet 1420 can be positioned and / or oriented to inject air into the inner cavity 1400 at a location where the reductant leaves from below the structure 1408. In other words, the gap between adjacent legs 1416 allows the reductant to be dispersed radially toward the sidewall 1406.

[0084] The shape of the legs 1416 and / or the position of the legs 1416 within the interior cavity 1400 may minimize disturbance of the reductant as it passes from the reductant passage 306 toward the sidewall 1406 .

[0085] Additionally, the nozzle 116 may include more than four air passages 600 and associated air passage outlets 1420. Increasing the number of air passages 600 may increase the amount of air injected into the interior cavity 1400, and this may result in increased atomization of the reductant. The number of air passages 600 may depend on the operating environment of the nozzle 116. For example, in applications where the flow rate or volume of the exhaust gas 102 may be higher, including more air passages 600 may increase atomization of the reductant and / or compensate for increased reductant flow rates.

[0086] Fig.15A perspective view of a negative space 1500 of a nozzle 116 is shown. Negative space 1500 may represent a void or void space associated with forming the nozzle 116 of the present invention in a three-dimensional (3D) printing process or other manufacturing process. For example, Fig.15 The various features of the negative space 1500 shown may represent the air passage 600 , the internal cavity 1400 , and / or other flow channels / passages of the nozzle 116 formed during an example 3D printing process.

[0087] The negative space 1500 may be defined by a top 1502 and a bottom 1504, the top 1002 may correspond to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116, and the bottom 1004 may correspond to the first end 118 of the nozzle 116. In addition, the negative space 1500 may include a jet channel void space 1506 corresponding to a channel of the nozzle 116 that is fluidly connected to the jet channel outlet 210. The jet channel void space 1506 may include a jet channel outlet void space 1508 that may correspond to the jet channel outlet 210 and a jet channel inlet void space 1510 that may correspond to a jet channel inlet that feeds the jet channel outlet 210. In some exemplary embodiments, the jet channel void space 1506 may be spiral around the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. With this configuration, the jet channel may spiral around the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 as the jet channel extends from the nozzle inlet toward the jet channel outlet 210. In some embodiments, because the jet passage can spiral toward the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 and along the longitudinal axis 208, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 It is shown that the jet channel void spaces 1506 may converge toward the top 1502 of the void space 1500. In other words, at the top 1502 of the void space 1500, the distance 1512 extending from the center point of the first jet channel inlet void space 1510 to the center point of the second jet channel inlet void space 1510 adjacent to the first jet channel inlet void space 1510 may be greater than the distance 1514 extending from the center point of the first jet channel outlet void space 1508 to the center point of the second jet channel outlet void space 1508 adjacent to the first jet channel outlet void space 1508. As such, the respective jet channel outlets 210 may not be concentric or aligned with the respective jet channel inlets.

[0088] The jet channel void space 1506 can also taper along the length of the jet channel void space 1506 between the jet channel inlet void space 1510 and the jet channel outlet void space 1508. For example, the jet channel void space 1506 can include a first cross-sectional area at the jet channel inlet void space 1510 and a second cross-sectional area at the jet channel outlet void space 1508, which second cross-sectional area can be less than the first cross-sectional area. Additionally, the cross-sectional shape of the jet channel inlet void space 1510 can be different from the cross-sectional shape of the jet channel outlet void space 1508. For example, the jet channel inlet void space 1510 can include a trapezoidal shape, while the jet channel outlet void space 1512 can include a substantially circular shape.

[0089] The jet channel void space 1506 forms a jet channel with a spiral characteristic, which can help impart fluid twist to the reductant solution and can further mix the reductant solution within the exhaust pipe 106. In one embodiment, the vortex effect of the reductant solution can produce a plume of the reductant solution that is large enough to extend to, for example, the periphery of the exhaust pipe 106, and can help to conically inject the reductant solution into the exhaust 104. In some embodiments, the angle at which the jet channel outlet 210 is oriented from the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 can adjust the plume size or vortex motion of the reductant solution. For example, depending on the application of the nozzle 116, the jet channel void space 1506 and / or the jet channel outlet void space 1508 can be adjusted to produce a narrow plume or a wide plume. In addition, when the reductant solution passes from the jet channel inlet to the jet channel outlet 210, the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the jet channel can impart velocity to the reductant solution. The increased velocity can enhance the mixing, atomization and dispersion of the reductant solution.

[0090] Located at the bottom 1504 of the negative space 1500 may be an air channel void space 1516, which may correspond to the air channel 304. As described above, in some examples, the air channel 304 may branch into the air passages 600, including four air passages 600 that direct air into the interior cavity 1400. Thus, the negative space 1500 may include an air channel void space 1518. For example, the air channel void space 1518 may include a first portion 1520, a second portion 1522, and a third portion 1524.

[0091] Each air passage void space 1518 may branch from the air passage void space 1516 to receive air. As the air passage void space 1518 progresses from the first portion 1520 toward the second portion 1522, the air passage void space 1518 may taper inwardly and decrease in cross-sectional area. Fig.15As shown, the air passage void space 1518, particularly the first portion 1520, can taper in multiple directions. When the air passage void space 1518 approaches the inner cavity 1400 of the nozzle 116, the air passage void space 1518 can bend at the second void space 1522. Among them, the third portion 1524 of the air passage void space 1518 can extend inwardly and toward the inner cavity 1400.

[0092] In other words, the reductant passage void space 1518 can form an air passage 304 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. Therein, air can pass from the air passage 304 to the air passage 600. The first portion 1520 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 208 and gradually taper as the first portion 1520 advances toward the second portion 1522 of the air passage void space 1518. The second portion 1522 of the air passage void space 1518 can bend toward the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. The third portion 1524 of the air passage void space 1518 can be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 208. Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments, due to the configuration of the air passage void space 1516 and the air passage void space 1518, the air passage 600 and / or the air passage outlet 1420 can be configured to flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 208 and / or substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the injected reductant from the reductant passage 306 into the inner cavity 1400 (e.g., Fig.14 ) directs air into the interior cavity 1400. In such an example, the reductant passage outlet 1418 and the air passage outlet 1420 may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0093] Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the negative space 1500 of the nozzle 116 is shown. Fig.16 As shown, air passage void space 1516 can be configured as a substantially cylindrical aperture or annular ring. In some examples, air passage void space 1516 can extend into air passage void space 1518, and specifically, into first portion 1520 of air passage void space 1018. Fig.16It is also shown that the air passage void space 1518 can be oriented in a similar direction as the reductant channel void space 1600, which can correspond to the reductant channel 306 and can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. The air passage void space 1518 can be bent at or along the second portion 1522 and oriented inwardly toward the inner cavity 1400 at the third portion 1524. The third portion 1524 of the air passage void space 1518 can extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 and can be oriented toward the inner cavity 700 of the nozzle 116. In one embodiment, the second portion 1522 can be substantially perpendicular to the first portion 1520 (i.e., can be bent 90 degrees) so that the dispersed air from each air passage 600 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the dispersed reductant exiting the reductant channel 306. As shown at the top 1502 of the negative space 1500, the jet channel void space 1506 may be a trajectory that follows a spiral about the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116. In one embodiment, the jet channel may be angled or oriented away from the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116.

[0094] Fig.17 A top view of the negative space 1500 of the nozzle 116 is shown. Fig.17 , each air passageway void space 1518 is shown as being oriented toward the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 to disperse the air in different directions within the interior cavity 1400. More specifically, the third portions 1524 of each air passageway void space 1518 can be substantially diametrically opposed to each other so that the air directed by each air passageway 600 radially mixes with the reductant in different directions. In addition, the size of each air passageway void space 1518 can be substantially similar to disperse the air substantially evenly within the interior cavity 1400.

[0095] Also like Fig.17 As shown, the jet channel void space 1506 can spiral about the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116 or the longitudinal axis of the void space 1500 (not shown) from the jet channel inlet void space 1510 to the jet channel outlet void space 1508. Each jet channel can include a corresponding jet channel void space 1506 having a corresponding central longitudinal axis (not shown) extending from the jet channel inlet void space 1510 to the jet channel outlet void space 1508. In addition, the diameter, circumference, or cross-section of the jet channel void space 1506 measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jet channel void space 1506 can decrease from the jet channel inlet void space 1510 to the jet channel outlet void space 1508.

[0096] Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of the nozzle 116 is shown, illustrating the flow pattern of the reductant and air within the interior cavity 1400 . Fig.18 The cross-sectional view in FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view through two air passages 600. Fig.18 As shown, the reductant passage 306 can direct the reductant into the inner cavity 1400, as shown by arrows 1800, where the reductant can impact the impact surface 1412 of the structure 1408. The concave nature of the impact surface 1412 can help increase the atomization rate of the reductant. That is, by contacting, impacting, or otherwise impacting the concave impact surface 1412, the reductant can be broken down into relatively small particles. Due to contacting the impact surface 1412 of the structure 1408, the reductant can be radially dispersed away from the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle 116, toward the sidewall 1406 of the inner cavity 1400 and / or toward the air passage outlet 1420, as shown by arrows 1802. As described above, and as shown in FIG. Fig.18 As shown, impacting the impact surface 1412 radially disperses the reductant from beneath the structure 1408 through the gaps 1804 between adjacent legs 1416 .

[0097] The air passage 600 can be arranged around the reductant passage 306 and can guide air toward the inner cavity 1400 (or the longitudinal axis 208), as shown by arrow 1806, and the air passing through the air passage 600 can leave the air passage 600 and enter the inner cavity 1400 via the air passage outlet 1420, as shown by arrow 1808. In addition, when the reductant impacts the impact surface 1412, the concave geometry of the impact surface 1412 can substantially evenly disperse the reductant into the inner cavity 1400. This substantially even dispersion can allow the air to be evenly mixed with the reductant. Since the air passage outlet 1420 can be radially dispersed around the inner cavity 1400, the air can be mixed with the reductant from multiple directions. Therefore, in a first case, the reductant can impact the impact surface 1412 and disperse radially outward toward the sidewall 1406 of the inner cavity 1400, and in a second case, the air discharged from the air passage 600 can be mixed with the reductant.

[0098] The radial injection of air and the mixing of air and reductant can be directed or introduced into the reductant solution towards the top 1404 of the inner cavity 1400 and / or chamber 1410. In the chamber 1410, air and reductant can be mixed to form a reductant solution. In addition, the properties of the conical top of the structure 708 can provide a required vortex pattern or effect in the chamber 1410. The vortex can further help to mix the reductant solution and / or further atomize the reductant. In addition, the chamber 1410 can allow the reductant solution to expand and potentially reduce the crystallization of the reductant solution. This expansion can minimize or eliminate the blockage of the injection channel outlet 202.

[0099] In addition, the air can exit the air passageway outlet 1420 at a variety of angles or directions. For example, the air can be injected in a direction toward the center of the inner cavity 1400, or the air passageway outlet 1420 can be tilted toward the sidewall 1406 to induce a swirling motion within the inner cavity 1400. In addition, although Fig.18 The air passage outlet 1420 is shown to be flush with and / or adjacent to the bottom end 1402 of the inner cavity 1400, and in some examples, the air passage outlet 1420 can be spaced above the bottom end 1402 of the inner cavity 1400. For example, the air passage outlet 1420 can be centrally disposed between the bottom end 1402 and the impact surface 1412 to radially mix with the reductant. When mixed with air, the reductant solution can be funneled toward the chamber 1410, as shown by arrows 1810. In the chamber 1410, the reductant solution can further mix and exit the nozzle 116.

[0100] Industrial Applicability

[0101] The exhaust system of the present invention can be used with any power system having a treatment system to reduce the amount of harmful emissions generated from an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the nozzle of the present invention can be used in any liquid / gas mixing operation that requires efficient, uniform and thorough mixing of reductant, air and exhaust gases. Although applicable to a range of treatment devices / systems, in some cases, the disclosed treatment system and / or nozzle can be used in conjunction with an SCR device. The disclosed nozzle helps to reduce NO by effectively atomizing the reductant and dispersing the mixture of reductant and air in the exhaust stream of the engine. x of restoration.

[0102] As described above, in some embodiments, the passage 126 can receive the exhaust gas 102 and direct the exhaust gas 102 toward the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. In addition, the air passage 304 and the reductant passage 306 can receive air and reductant from the supply line 124, respectively. In the nozzle 116, the air and the reductant can be mixed in the inner cavity 1400 to form a reductant solution. The injection passage is fluidly connected to the inner cavity 1400 to disperse the reductant solution via the injection passage outlet 210 located at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. The passage 126 guides a portion of the exhaust gas 102 over the injection passage outlet 210 to remove the reductant solution and prevent the reductant from crystallizing at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. In some cases, the passage 126 can be spiraled from the first end 118 to the second end 120 around the longitudinal axis 208 of the nozzle and along the direction of the longitudinal axis 208 to generate a vortex pattern, which can help to atomize the reductant and / or remove the residual reductant at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116. The passage 126 may decrease in cross-sectional area from the first end 118 to the second end 120 of the nozzle 116 to increase the velocity of the exhaust gas 102 through the passage 126. As such, the nozzle 116 may increase mixing between the reductant and the air and may reduce crystallization of the reductant within the nozzle 116 or outside the nozzle 116 (e.g., at the second end 120 of the nozzle 116). The nozzle 116 may also be manufactured from a single piece of material using 3D printing techniques to reduce manufacturing and / or assembly time.

[0103] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the exhaust system of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the exhaust system disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A nozzle, comprising: A nozzle body, the nozzle body comprising: a first end, the first end comprising at least a first inlet and a second inlet, the first inlet being fluidly connected to a first channel, the second inlet being fluidly connected to a second channel, the first channel and the second channel being fluidly connected to each other at a location spaced apart from the first end; a second end disposed longitudinally opposite to the first end, the second end comprising a plurality of outlets; a central longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end; and an outer surface extending from a first end of the nozzle body to a second end of the nozzle body and extending about the central longitudinal axis; a housing disposed about the nozzle body and the central longitudinal axis, the housing comprising: First end; a second end disposed opposite to the first end of the housing in the longitudinal direction, the second end of the housing being disposed adjacent to the second end of the nozzle body, and a central portion of the second end of the nozzle body protruding from the second end of the housing; an inner surface extending from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and facing the outer surface of the nozzle body in a radial direction, the radial direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and an outer surface of the housing, the outer surface of the housing being away from the outer surface of the nozzle body in the radial direction; a plurality of blades, the plurality of blades being arranged between the outer surface of the nozzle body and the inner surface of the housing; and a plurality of passages disposed between an outer surface of the nozzle body and an inner surface of the housing, each passage being at least partially defined by a pair of adjacent vanes of the plurality of vanes, the outer surface of the nozzle body, and the inner surface of the housing, The plurality of blades extend from an inlet end to an outlet end along the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of outlets are arranged between the inlet end of the plurality of blades and the outlet end of the plurality of blades along the longitudinal direction. Each blade of the plurality of blades converges at an outlet end of the plurality of blades in the longitudinal direction and at the central longitudinal axis in the radial direction to contact an adjacent blade of the plurality of blades.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein: At the first end of the nozzle body, each of the plurality of channels defines a first cross-sectional area; and At the second end of the nozzle body, each of the passages defines a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area.

3. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein: At the first end of the nozzle body, adjacent vanes of the plurality of vanes are separated by a first distance; and At the second end of the nozzle body, the adjacent vanes are separated by a second distance that is less than the first distance.

4. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: The first end of the housing is substantially coplanar with the first end of the nozzle body.

5. An exhaust system comprising: an exhaust pipe configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine; The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is located in the exhaust pipe; as well as a supply line fluidly connected to the first end of the nozzle body and configured to supply air into the inner cavity of the nozzle via the first inlet and the first passage and to supply reductant into the inner cavity of the nozzle via the second inlet and the second passage, wherein the reducing agent and the air are mixed in the inner cavity of the nozzle to form a reducing agent solution, and the reducing agent solution is dispersed into the exhaust gas through the plurality of outlets at the second end of the nozzle body, The exhaust gas enters the passage at a first end of the nozzle body, flows along an outer surface of the nozzle body within the passage, and leaves the passage near a second end of the nozzle body. 6 . The exhaust system of claim 5 , wherein each outlet of the plurality of outlets is arranged between adjacent vanes of the plurality of vanes. 7 . The exhaust system of claim 5 , wherein a first distance extending from the first end of the nozzle body to the second end of the nozzle body is greater than a second distance extending from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing.

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