Flow diffuser for an exhaust system

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems and methods for distribution of an engine exhaust gas to one or more exhaust treatment devices. In one embodiment, an exhaust flow diffuser is provided including a conduit defining an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a flow path therebetween. The conduit includes a first section disposed proximate to the inlet opening and a second section disposed proximate to the outlet opening. The second section has an increasing diameter along its length. The conduit is formed by a first member and a second member both of which extend between the inlet opening and outlet opening to form a portion of the first section and the second section. The first member and the second member each include an engagement feature that extends between the inlet opening and outlet opening.

1 . An exhaust flow diffuser for an exhaust system, comprising:
 a conduit defining an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a flow path therebetween, the conduit including a first section disposed proximate to the inlet opening and a second section disposed proximate to the outlet opening, the second section having an increasing diameter along its length and the outlet opening includes a diameter larger than a diameter of the inlet opening, the conduit being formed by:
 a first member extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening to form a portion of the first section and the second section, the first member including a first engagement feature extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening, 
 a second member extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening to form a portion of the first section and second section, the second member including a second engagement feature extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening, and 
 the first and second engagement feature being configured to matingly engage with each other to join the first and second members and to form the flow path. 
   
     
     
         2 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , further comprising a divider extending between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, the divider being configured to separate the flow path into a first sub-passageway and a second sub-passageway. 
     
     
         3 . The diffuser of  claim 2 , wherein the divider is perforated to form a plurality of openings extending from a first side of the divider to a second side of the divider. 
     
     
         4 . The diffuser of  claim 3 , wherein the divider includes at least one change in contour along a length of the divider. 
     
     
         5 . The diffuser of  claim 4 , wherein the divider includes a first end located within the first section and a second end located within the second section. 
     
     
         6 . The diffuser of  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser further includes an injector mount for attachment of a fluid injector. 
     
     
         7 . The diffuser of  claim 6 , wherein the injector mount is disposed on the first section of the diffuser. 
     
     
         8 . The diffuser of  claim 7 , further comprising a divider extending between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, the divider being configured to separate the flow path into a first sub-passageway and a second sub-passageway. 
     
     
         9 . The diffuser of  claim 8 , wherein the divider is perforated to form a plurality of openings extending between a first side of the divider to a second side of the divider, the injector mount configured to orientate an attached injector towards the plurality of openings of the divider. 
     
     
         10 . An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, comprising:
 an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine to receive and guide an exhaust gas;   an exhaust gas treatment device for treatment of the exhaust gas;   a diffuser located between and in fluid communication with the exhaust conduit and the exhaust gas treatment device, the diffuser including a conduit defining an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a flow path therebetween, the conduit including a first section disposed proximate to the inlet opening and a second section disposed proximate to the outlet opening, the second section having an increasing diameter along its length and the outlet opening includes a diameter larger than a diameter of the inlet opening, the conduit being formed by:
 a first member extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening to form a portion of the first section and the second section, the first member including a first engagement feature extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening, 
 a second member extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening to form a portion of the first section and second section, the second member including a second engagement feature extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening, and 
 the first and second engagement feature being configured to matingly engage with each other to join the first and second member and to form the flow path; and 
   a fluid injector located between the internal combustion engine and the exhaust treatment device, the fluid injector providing injections of urea solution or combustible fuel into the exhaust gas.   
     
     
         11 . The exhaust system of  claim 10 , wherein the fluid injector is mounted to the first section of the diffuser. 
     
     
         12 . The exhaust system of  claim 10 , wherein the fluid injector is mounted to the exhaust conduit. 
     
     
         13 . The exhaust system of  claim 12 , wherein the urea injector is located closer to the engine than the diffuser. 
     
     
         14 . The exhaust system of  claim 10 , wherein the diffuser includes a divider extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening, the divider being configured to separate the flow path into a first sub-passageway and a second sub-passageway. 
     
     
         15 . The exhaust system of  claim 14 , wherein the divider is perforated and includes a plurality of openings extending between a first side of the divider to a second side of the divider. 
     
     
         16 . A method of disbursing exhaust gas form an internal combustion engine to an exhaust gas treatment device, the method comprising:
 flowing exhaust gas through a diffuser that is fluidly coupled with and between the internal combustion engine and the exhaust gas treatment device, the diffuser being formed of a first member having a first mating surface and a second member having a second mating surface, the first and second members being joinable to form an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a fluid flow path therebetween, diffuser defining a first section disposed proximate to the inlet opening and a second section disposed proximate to the outlet opening, the second section having a gradually increasing diameter along its length; and   injecting urea solution into the exhaust gas prior to or during flow of the exhaust gas through the diffuser.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein an injector is mounted to an exhaust conduit located between the diffuser and the internal combustion engine for injection of the urea solution into the exhaust gas. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein an injector is mounted to the diffuser for injection of the urea solution into the exhaust gas. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the diffuser includes a divider extending between the inlet opening and outlet opening, the divider being configured to separate the flow path into a first sub-passageway and a second sub-passageway. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the divider includes a plurality of openings extending between a first side of the divider to a second side of the divider, the injection of the urea solution being proximate to the plurality of openings.