Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Film Formation in a Generic SCR Channel

  • Lange, Roberto (TU Darmstadt)
  • Bonarens, Matthias (TU Darmstadt)
  • Schuhmann, Leon (TU Darmstadt)
  • Wagner, Steven (TU Darmstadt)
  • Hasse, Christian (TU Darmstadt)

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Understanding the transient behavior of urea-water solution (UWS) injection and subsequent film forma- tion is essential for the development and optimization of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems for nitrogen oxide abatement. We present a combined experimental and numerical investigation focused on characterizing the behavior of UWS and water injection in a generic SCR exhaust channel [1]. The goal is to deepen the understanding of film formation, growth, evaporation, and boiling phenomena under well-defined and well-controlled conditions, with the ultimate aim of validating computational models capable of reliably predicting such behaviors. The experimental campaign involves pressure-assisted injections of water into the SCR channel, where the local thickness and temperature of the liquid films forming on the bottom wall due to the spray-wall interaction are measured using an absorption-based sensor. Simultaneous wall temperature measure- ments provide insight into the thermodynamic state of the wetted surface. Moreover, the tailpipe gas composition is monitored using Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) [2]. Various operating conditions are explored, including different airflow velocities and flow temperatures, enabling the observation of multiple film formation regimes. Complementary numerical simulations are carried out using OpenFOAM with a custom-developed solver tailored to capture film dynamics under SCR-like conditions. The solver models key multiphase and thermal interactions relevant for the transient behavior of droplets and films. Simulation results are compared to experimental measurements to assess model accuracy and refine physical assumptions. To support future research and model validation, we plan to release a dataset comprising detailed ex- perimental conditions and measurements, including among others injection parameters, film thickness evolution, and wall temperatures. The final data will include the numerical simulations and numeri- cal models as well. This contribution aims to provide robust benchmark data for validating SCR film formation models.