Mathematical modelling of catalytic monolithic reactors with storage of reaction components on the catalyst surface

Effects of periodic switching between lean and rich combustion conditions o n CO, HC and NOx conversion on a monolithic catalyst with NOx storage were simulated by mathematical model. The model includes description of oxygen a nd NOx storage on the washcoat. Parametric study showed possibility to reac h much improved time-averaged NOx conversion on a single monolith in compar ison with steady-state operation, but lower CO and HCs conversions under re ducing (rich) conditions. Sequence of monoliths, the first one with NOx sto rage catalyst and the second one with oxidizing catalyst, then enables to o btain satisfactory conversions of all pollutants. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.