A US platinum catalyst manufacturer claims to have developed new engine catalyst substrates that are more durable and more efficient than those currently in use.

Miratech's Next substrate has been developed for use primarily for round catalyst elements, while the Vortex is suitable chiefly for rectangular catalyst elements, with both able to deliver better results by increasing what Miratech dubs the turbulence factor.

Bill Clary, Vice President of Miratech's Sales, Marketing and Engineering division, said: "Using two very different designs. Next and Vortex substrates increase catalyst performance and efficiency by maintaining a higher percentage of turbulent exhaust flow across the entire length of each catalyst substrate."

The Next design incorporates 60 degree triangular channels to give a higher percentage of open substrate frontal area than traditional straight-line flow substrates, which Mr Clary says "means Next is optimised not only for maximum catalyst reactivity, but also for low back pressure".

Meanwhile, the Vortex substrate achieves the same result but does so through superior static mixing and mass transfer, which is made possible by angled overlapping channels and a resistant weld-points design that acts to create turbulent air flow through the entire length of the substrate.

Source:

Catalyst Substrates utilizes porous structure, 03/12/07
http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/535432