WO2013133790A2

WO2013133790A2 - Rear wall canister coupling

Info

Publication number: WO2013133790A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/027732
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey R. Kelso; Jason B. ARRIAGA; Steven R. Ostarello; Gregory A. Griffin
Original assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, Llc
Priority date: 2012-03-05
Filing date: 2012-03-05
Publication date: 2013-09-12
Also published as: WO2013133790A3

Abstract

A reductant or ammonia canister connector is disclosed having a male component and a female component which reversibly couple to one another to form a secure connection between the canister and a housing for the canister. The male component has a base for connection to an ammonia canister tap, and a main connector extending from the base. The main connector includes an integral second connector for connecting to the NH3 line. Similarly, in various embodiments, the female component is connectable to a feed line and includes a receptacle defined by a sidewall and configured to accept the main connector and second connector of the male component, and a locking mechanism positioned within the receptacle sidewall for alternately engaging and disengaging from the connector when inserted within the receptacle.

Description

REAR WALL CANISTER COUPLING

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present device relates to a connector for containers. More specifically, the device relates to a coupling for securing and releasing a canister (or cartridge) within a storage housing and providing a connection for the delivery of a reductant, such as ammonia, to an exhaust gas after-treatment system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Compression ignition engines provide advantages in fuel economy, but produce both NO_x and particulates during normal operation. New and existing regulations continually challenge manufacturers to achieve good fuel economy and reduce the particulates and NO_x emissions. Lean-burn engines achieve the fuel economy objective, but the high concentrations of oxygen in the exhaust of these engines yields significantly high concentrations of NO_x as well. Accordingly, the use of NO_x reducing exhaust treatment schemes is being employed in a growing number of systems.

[0003] One such system is the direct addition of ammonia gas to the exhaust stream. It is an advantage to deliver ammonia directly in the form of a gas, both for simplicity of the flow control system and for efficient mixing of reducing agent, ammonia, with the exhaust gas. The direct use of ammonia also eliminates potential difficulties related to blocking of the dosing system, which are cause by precipitation or impurities, e.g., in a liquid-based urea solution. In addition, an aqueous urea solution cannot be dosed at a low engine load since the temperature of the exhaust line would be too low for complete conversion of urea to ammonia (and C0₂).

[0004] Due to its caustic nature, transporting ammonia as a pressurized liquid or gas can be hazardous if the container bursts, as the result of an accident, or if a valve or tube breaks.

Ammonia can be provided as a solid in the form of disks or balls loaded into a cartridge or canister. The canisters are then loaded into a mantle or other storage device and secured to the vehicle for use. When an appropriate amount of heat is applied to the canisters, the ammonia- containing storage material releases ammonia gas which is routed to an injector for entry into an after-treatment device for the exhaust system of a vehicle. [0005] Eventually the ammonia in a canister is depleted and must be recharged or replaced. Because the canisters are stored within a housing on a vehicle, easy removal of spent canisters and installation of newly- filled canisters within the housing is needed. It would also be useful to accomplish the change without the requirement for any special tools.

[0006] Thus, the present device provides a coupler for facilitating quick and secure connection and disconnection of canister, such as ammonia canisters, from within a housing. Additionally, the present device provides a connection for the delivery of ammonia from the canister to an exhaust after treatment device.

SUMMARY

[0007] There is disclosed herein a device which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional structural and operating advantages.

[0008] Generally, an ammonia canister coupling is disclosed, for securing a canister within a housing and to an NH₃ line. The coupling includes a male component and a female component which reversibly affix to one another to form a secure connection. In various embodiments, the male component comprises a base and a main connector extending from the base for engagement with the female component.

[0009] In an embodiment, an ammonia canister coupling for connecting a canister within a housing, is disclosed. The coupling comprises a male component comprising a base connected to an ammonia canister tap, a main connector extending from the base, a female component affixed to a back wall of the housing and connectable to a feed line, the female component comprising, a receptacle defined by a sidewall and configured to accept the main connector of the male component, and a locking mechanism positioned within the receptacle sidewall for alternately engaging and disengaging the connector when inserted within the receptacle.

[0010] In an embodiment, the main connector further includes a second connector for engagement with the feed line, the second connector providing a conduit for ammonia gas from the canister to an after-treatment system.

[0011] In an embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a complementary threaded section for receiving the base of the male component. [0012] In another embodiment, engaging the base and connector with the receptacle requires a single clockwise twist of the canister, while disengaging the base and connector from the receptacle requires a single counterclockwise twist of the canister.

[0013] These and other aspects of embodiments of the invention are described in the following detailed description and shown in the appended drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective embodiment of the canister and heating jacket positioned within the storage housing of the ammonia delivery system;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the canister and present coupling;

[0016] FIG. 3a is a close-up view of the male component of the present coupling;

[0017] FIG. 3b is a close-up view of the female component of the present coupling; and,

[0018] FIG. 4 is view of the present coupling showing the second NH₃ connectors of the male component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated a reductant storage and delivery system for use in the storage and delivery of reductant, such as ammonia, for use in the reduction of NO_x in an exhaust stream. Ammonia storage and dosing systems (ASDS), which are part of the exhaust gas NO_x reduction (EGNR) system used in vehicles, may be comprised of several components, including a start-up canister, at least one main canister contained within a housing or storage compartment, wherein the canisters contain an ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material, an ammonia control module (AFM), a peripheral interface module (PIM), and possibly other components depending on vehicle specifications. The specific components of the ASDS and EGNR will not be discussed in further detail with the exception of how it relates to the present unit. As the exhaust system of a vehicle, including that of a diesel engine, is well known, it will not be described in detail.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the housing or storage compartment is generally designated by the numeral 10. The housing 10 stores the main canister 20 or cartridge containing the ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material (not shown). The main canister 20 is contained within a heating jacket 12, which is positioned within the housing 10. The housing 10 is then be attached to the frame of a vehicle (not shown) using any holder (not shown) permitting easy installation and removal of the jacket and its cartridges. The housing 10 may be designed to hold one or a plurality of heating jackets. Similarly, the heating jackets 12 may hold one or more canisters 20. The housing 10 is typically a modular unit and can be arranged in various configurations on a vehicle.

[0021] The canisters 20 contain an ammonia desorbing/adsorbing material, such as a salt. Suitable material for use in the present application include metal-ammine salts, which offer a convenient storage medium for ammonia, and represent a safe, practical and compact option for storage and transportation of ammonia. Ammonia may be released from the metal ammine salt by heating the salt to temperatures in the range from 10°C to the melting point to the metal ammine salt complex, for example, to a temperature from 30° to 700°C, and preferably to a temperature of from 100° to 500°C. Generally speaking, metal ammine salts useful in the present device include the general formula M(NH₃)_nX_z, where M is one or more metal ions capable of binding ammonia, such as Li, Mg, Ca, Sr, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, etc., n is the coordination number usually 2-12, and X is one or more anions, depending on the valence of M, where representative examples of X are F, CI, Br, I, S0₄, Mo0₄, P0₄, etc. Preferably, ammonia saturated strontium chloride, Sr(NH3)Cl₂, is used. While embodiments using ammonia as the preferred reductant are disclosed, the invention is not limited to such embodiments, and other reductants may be utilized instead of, or in addition to, ammonia for carrying out the inventions disclosed and claimed herein. Examples of such other, or additional reductants include, but are not limited to, urea, ammonium carbamate, and hydrogen.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the canister 20 is loaded into the housing 10, wherein the ammonia-containing material is heated to a sufficient level to release ammonia gas from within the canister for delivery to the after-treatment system (not shown). When the ammonia- containing material is depleted of its ammonia, the canister 20 is removed from the housing and replaced with a new canister. Alternatively, the ammonia-containing material is recharged with ammonia. The present coupling 30 enables securing and releasing the canister from within the housing 10, as well as, connecting the canister to the fluid line 32 for delivery of ammonia to the after-treatment system, all without the need for special tools or other attachments.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the connection between the canister 20, the housing and the fluid line 32 is accomplished using a coupler 30. The coupler 30, which includes a male component 40 (FIG. 3a) and a female component 50 (FIG. 3b) is also designed to prevent accidental leakage of the ammonia from either the canister 20 or the connection between the fluid line 32 and the canister 20.

[0024] The male component 40 comprises a base 42 having an internal threaded portion 43, for detachable connection to the ammonia canister tap 31 , a fluid filter (not shown) within the base, and a main connector 44 extending from the base. The base 42 further includes a projection 45 or projections on an outer surface of the base, which are used to engage the female component 50 and preventing sliding movement of the canister 20 when it is positioned in place. An O-ring seal (not shown) may be provided within the base 42 of the component 40, as well. The male component 40 is preferably made from stainless steel or similar material for corrosion resistance and submergibility for the recharge process.

[0025] The main connector 44 of the male component 40 further includes a second connector 44a, which is integral with and forms a part of the main connector. As shown in FIG. 4, when the male component 40 engages the female component 50, securing the canister 20 within the housing 10, the second connector 44a forms a connection with the NH₃ fluid line 32 within the female component 50. The second connector 44a, or NH₃ connector permits the flow of ammonia from the ammonia-containing material within the canister 12 to the fluid line 32, and ultimately to an exhaust after-treatment device (not shown). The main connector 44 and second connector 44a may include a check valve (not shown) to prevent leakage from the canister 20 and the male and female components, particularly when the components are disconnected from one another.

[0026] The female component 50 is securely fixed to the frame of the housing 10 by known securing means (not shown). The female component 50 also connects to the fluid line 32, which then leads to the after-treatment system. The female component 50 comprises a receptacle 52 defined by a sidewall 53 and configured to accept the base 42 of the male component 40.

Additionally, the female component 50 includes an inner portion 54, which is configured to accept the main connector 44 and second connector 44a of the male component 40. The receptacle sidewall 53 includes a locking mechanism 56 positioned within the receptacle sidewall 53 for alternately engaging and disengaging the base 42 when inserted within the receptacle 53. A check valve (not shown) within the female component 50 prevents back flow of fluid into the receptacle 52. [0027] The locking mechanism 56 includes a slot 56a within the sidewall 53, which is configured for receiving the projections 45 of the base 42, when the male component is joined to the female component. The locking mechanism 56 includes threads 56b within the sidewall to assist in lining up the projections 45 with the slot 56a and further securing the male component 40 to the female component 50. Additionally, the locking mechanism 56 is a twist lock mechanism, securing the canister 20 using a single clockwise twist wherein the projections 45 engage and lock into the slot 56a. Removal of the canister 20 is accomplished by a single counterclockwise rotation of the canister, which effectively releases the projections 45 and thus the male component 40 from the female component 50. The female component 50 is also preferably made from stainless steel or similar material for corrosion resistance and

submergibility for the recharge process.

[0028] Once the ammonia desorbing/adsorbing material within the canister 20 is depleted of its ammonia, the canister can be removed from the housing 10 simply by the operator providing a counterclockwise turn of the canister to release the male component 40 from the female component 50. As mentioned, check valves positioned within each component prevents any residual ammonia gas from either leaking out of the canister or leaking from the fluid line 32 connected to the rest of the system. The canister 20 can then be slid out of the housing 10, and a new canister inserted into the housing. To insert the replacement canister, the male component 40 of the new canister is lined up with the female component 50, and application of a clockwise twist of the canister locks it into position. Thus, the present device provides a simple, tool-less method for insertion and removal of a ammonia storage and delivery canister. The canister 20, when depleted, may be recharged in a manner known to those skilled in the art. To the extent a hose (not shown) is required to be coupled to the canister 20 for recharging the ammonia- containing material within the canister, a female component 50 will be required on the charging hose.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A canister coupling for connecting a canister containing a reductant within a housing, the coupling comprising:

a male component comprising: a base connected to an ammonia canister tap; a main connector extending from the base; a female component affixed to a back wall of the housing and connectable to a feed line, the female component comprising: a receptacle defined by a sidewall and configured to accept the main connector of the male component; and, a locking mechanism positioned within the receptacle sidewall for alternately engaging and disengaging the connector when inserted within the receptacle.

2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the base further includes an internal threaded portion for detachable connection to the ammonia canister tap.

3. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the base includes a projection on an outer surface of the base for engaging the female component.

4. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the base further includes a fluid filter.

5. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the main connector further includes a second connector for engaging the feed line.

6. The coupling of claim 5, wherein the feed line is an NH₃ connection.

7. The coupling of claim 5, wherein the second connector is integral with the main connector.

8. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the female component further includes a check valve for preventing back flow to the receptacle.

9. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes a complementary threaded section for receiving the base of the male component.

10. The coupling of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism is a twist lock mechanism.

11. The coupling of claim 10, wherein the twist lock mechanism includes threads capable of engagement with the base with one twist of the canister.

12. The coupling of claim 1, wherein engaging the base and connector with the receptacle requires a single clockwise twist of the canister.

13. The coupling of claim 1, wherein disengaging the base and connector from the receptacle requires a single counterclockwise twist of the canister.

14. An ammonia canister coupling for connecting a canister within a housing, the coupling comprising:

a male component comprising: a base connected to an ammonia canister tap; a main connector extending from the base; a second connector integral with the main connector; a female component affixed to a back wall of the housing and connectable to a feed line, the female component comprising: a receptacle defined by a sidewall and configured to accept the main connector of the male component; and, a locking mechanism positioned within the receptacle sidewall for alternately engaging and disengaging the main connector and engaging and disengaging the second connector with the feed line when inserted within the receptacle.