Erosion Resistant Mounting Material for Pollution Control Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ceramic monoliths in pollution control devices are fragile and prone to damage from road shock and thermal expansion differences, requiring additional materials like ceramic mats or intumescent sheets to prevent erosion and mechanical failure, and existing erosion-resistant methods are messy and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A flexible erosion-resistant mounting material with inorganic fibers and a reinforcing composition, specifically a layer of compounds like phosphoric acid or phosphate salts, applied along the peripheral edges to provide erosion resistance without contacting the majority of the mounting material, allowing for easy wrapping around monoliths and improved durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ceramic mat or intumescent sheet materials are disposed between the ceramic monolith and the metal housing to prevent erosion and mechanical failure, then the monolith is protected from damage, but the mounting material becomes more complex and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of monolith from damageVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ceramic fibers (for heat resistance and erosion protection) with organic binder materials (for flexibility and adhesion) to create a composite mounting material that integrates the protective functions previously requiring separate layers. This composite structure maintains monolith protection while simplifying the overall mounting material design and handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the previously separate ceramic mat layer and intumescent sheet layer into a single integrated mounting material composition. This combines the erosion resistance of ceramic mats with the thermal protection of intumescent materials, reducing the number of components and simplifying the canning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If rigidizing solution is applied to the leading peripheral edge of mounting mat during canning to reduce erosion, then erosion resistance is improved, but the process becomes messy and the material loses flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerosion resistance of mounting materialVSAvoidflexibility of mounting material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates erosion-resistant ceramic fiber content concentrated at the leading peripheral edges of the mounting material, while the bulk of the material maintains its flexible composition. This localized enhancement provides erosion protection where needed most without compromising the overall flexibility and handleability of the mounting material during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The erosion-resistant properties are built into the mounting material during manufacturing, with ceramic fibers pre-distributed throughout the composition and concentrated at edge regions. This eliminates the need for subsequent application of rigidizing solutions during the canning process, maintaining flexibility while providing proactive erosion protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the mounting material is made more rigid to resist erosion from hot exhaust gases, then erosion resistance is improved, but the material becomes prone to cracking when wrapped around monoliths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerosion resistanceVSAvoidflexibility and crack resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure combines rigid ceramic fibers (providing erosion resistance) with flexible organic binder materials (maintaining flexibility). The ceramic fibers create a rigid framework for erosion protection while the organic matrix maintains flexibility, allowing the material to be wrapped around monoliths without cracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the ratio and distribution of ceramic fiber content to balance rigidity and flexibility. By controlling the ceramic fiber concentration (particularly at edge regions versus the bulk material), the mounting material achieves sufficient rigidity for erosion resistance while maintaining the flexibility needed for proper installation around monoliths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides enhanced erosion resistance to hot exhaust gases, maintains flexibility to prevent breakage, and eliminates the need for additional rigidizing solutions during the canning process, making the mounting material easier to handle and install in pollution control devices.

Implementation Method 1

a layer of reinforcing composition inwardly disposed on the mounting material along the entire first peripheral edge... provides enhanced erosion resistance to hot exhaust gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectErosion resistance: Erosion

Implementation Method 2

to avoid damage to the ceramic monolith from road shock and vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

to compensate for the thermal expansion difference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2487342B1Erosion resistant mounting material and method of making and using the same
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2487342B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2487342B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An erosion resistant mounting material comprises: a mounting material comprising inorganic fibers and having a peripheral edge; and a layer of reinforcing composition inwardly disposed on the inorganic fibers along the peripheral edge. The reinforcing composition comprises at least one compound represented by the formula:            (Mm+)d ((ZpOq(OH)r)n-)e ∙ (H2O)f M represents a cationic species other than H+; O represents oxygen; Z represents phosphorus; f is a real number greater than or equal to zero; d, n, q, and r are integers greater than or equal to zero; e, m, and p are integers greater than or equal to one; and d times m equals e times n. The mounting material is useful in pollution control devices. A method of making the mounting material is also disclosed.