Race-track monoliths

Flow distribution has been essentially studied in cylindrical monoliths (Wendland and Matthes (1986), Howitt and Sekella (1974), Lemme and Givens (1974)). Elliptical and race-track monoliths have been studied by Wendland and Matthes (1986) and Leclerc et al. (Leclerc et al. (1989a, 1989b, 1990)). The main conclusions of these authors are ... 

Leclerc J.P., D. Schweich, and J. Villermaux (1990) Flow, heat transfer and chemical reaction in race-track monolithic catalytic converters - A theoretical and experimental study , AIChE 1990 spring national meeting, 18-22 mars 1990, Orlando, Floride, USA. 

The converter must also preserve the engine efficiency. Presently, monolithic catalytic converters seem to be the most efficient because they operate with a low pressure drop. Depending on the available space under the car, the monolith cross-section can be cylindric, ov or "race-track". The monolith is fitted to the inlet exhaust line by a divergent duct and to the outlet exhaust line by a convergent duct (see Figure 1.2). 

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