Cu-CHA and Fe-MFI Zeolite Catalyst for Lean NOx Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current catalysts for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in diesel engines face challenges in efficiently reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) under varying operating conditions, particularly due to the need for rich exhaust gas conditions and the difficulty in precise ammonia metering, leading to ammonia breakthroughs and incomplete emissions treatment.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst comprising zeolites of MFI and CHA structures, where MFI-type zeolites contain iron and CHA-type zeolites contain copper, with specific weight and molar ratios, and loading levels, enhancing catalytic performance for SCR applications, particularly adapted for the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) emission conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional SCR catalysts are used, then NOx reduction can be achieved under rich exhaust gas conditions, but the system becomes complex requiring precise ammonia metering and rich condition control

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx reduction efficiencyVSAvoidexhaust gas treatment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the catalytic parameters by using Cu-CHA zeolite with specific Cu content (1-5 wt%) and Si/Al ratio (20-50), which allows the catalyst to function effectively under lean exhaust gas conditions rather than requiring rich conditions, thereby simplifying the control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite catalyst structure combining Cu-CHA zeolite with specific support materials and promoters, creating a catalyst that achieves high NOx reduction efficiency under lean conditions without requiring complex ammonia metering and rich condition control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If ammonia is metered precisely to avoid breakthrough, then emissions treatment is improved, but the system becomes more complex and less reliable under varying conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemissions treatment effectivenessVSAvoidammonia metering precision requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst operates effectively under lean conditions with lower ammonia slip, reducing the need for precise ammonia metering control while maintaining emissions treatment effectiveness, thereby improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a catalyst formulation that is less sensitive to operating condition variations, reducing the need for complex control systems and precise ammonia metering, making the system more robust and easier to operate under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If rich exhaust gas conditions are maintained for SCR, then NOx reduction is effective, but the system cannot adapt to varying operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSCR reaction effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to varying operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the catalyst to function under lean conditions by optimizing Cu content and zeolite structure, enabling the system to adapt to varying operating conditions including lean, rich, and transient phases without requiring rich condition maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst formulation provides dynamic adaptability to varying exhaust gas conditions, maintaining effective NOx reduction across different operating phases (lean, rich, transient) without requiring system adjustments or rich condition maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The catalyst demonstrates improved NOx conversion efficiency across a range of driving conditions, outperforming traditional catalysts in both urban and extra-urban driving cycles, ensuring compliance with stringent Euro 6 emissions standards.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst which promotes the selective reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia in the presence of oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP2555866B1Catalyst comprising Cu-CHA and Fe-MFI zeolite and process for treating NOx in gas streams
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 BASF SE
  • EP2555866B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2555866B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A catalyst is provided, preferably for the use in selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Said catalyst comprises one or more zeolites of the MFI structure type, and one or more zeolites of the CHA structure type, wherein at least part of the one or more zeolites of the MFI structure type contains iron (Fe), and wherein at least part of the one or more zeolites of the CHA structure type contains copper (Cu). Furthermore, provided are an exhaust gas treatment system comprising said catalyst as well as a process for the treatment of a gas stream comprising NOX using said catalyst as well.