SwRI: Universal Synthetic Gas Reactor, USGR

The Universal Synthetic Gas Reactor® (USGR®) was developed by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to test the performance of small-core catalysts. The USGR is used to evaluate the performance of catalyst technologies in several applications, including:

  • Three-way catalyst (TWC)

  • Lean NOx trap (LNT)

  • Selective catalyst reduction (SCR)

  • Oxidation catalyst

  • Fuel cell and reforming catalyst

  • Sulfur trap

  • Selective noncatalyst reduction (SNCR)

  image of typical stoichiometric perturbated light-off results for a three-way catalyst
 

Typical stoichiometric perturbated light-off results for a three-way catalyst.

To provide real-time, second-by-second data, a range of analyzers is used, including:

  • O2

  • CO

  • CO2

  • Total hydrocarbons (HC)

  • NOx

  • Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for real-time measurement of gas components such as:

    • NH3

    • NO/NO2/N2O/NOx

    • H2O

    • CO/CO2

    • HC Species

    • SO2

image of typical temperature sweep results for an SCR catalyst   image of typical FTIR output for an LNT catalyst test

Typical temperature sweep results for an SCR catalyst.

  

Typical FTIR output for an LNT catalyst test.
 

  image of the USGR system that can blend synthetic gas mixtures, control a wide range of catalyst inlet temperatures and flow rates, and test a variety of catalysts with different operating modes
 

The USGR system can blend synthetic gas mixtures, control a wide range of catalyst inlet temperatures and flow rates, and test a variety of catalysts with different operating modes.

As a screening tool for catalyst formulations, the USGR can identify the best overall performance for the most desirable conditions. Durability concerns can be determined with aged catalysts. Precise test results are achieved rapidly and cost effectively. Test conditions can be set up to simulate engine exhaust conditions for fuels including:

  • Gasoline

  • Diesel

  • Compressed natural gas (CNG)

  • Liquid petroleum gas (LPG)

For more information about universal synthetic gas reactor capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Gordon Bartley, Ph.D., at gbartley@swri.org or (210) 522-5871.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.