摘要 |
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for heating a catalytic converter at least to a light off temperature. In accordance with the invention, the catalytic converter may be heated using a novel monolith construction, electrical heating, catalytic combination of a fuel and oxygen or combinations of these methods. Heating or thermally conditioning a catalyst in accordance with the invention rapidly brings the catalyst up to the light off temperature for the efficient conversion of pollutant gases, such as unacceptable emissions emanating from an internal combustion engine, into water, carbon dioxide and other acceptable emissions. In particular, the invention provides efficient heating of the catalytic converter despite the potential presence of water on the catalyst during startup. |