An exhaust aftertreatment system comprising two or more branches, at least
one of which contains a NOx adsorber-catalyst. The branches unite
downstream into a trailing conduit that contains an ammonia-SCR catalyst.
Ammonia generated by the NOx adsorber-catalyst during regeneration is
stored for later use by the SCR catalyst. One advantage of this
configuration is a continuous or near continuous presence of oxygen
within the trailing exhaust conduit. The continuous presence of improves
the efficiency of the SCR catalyst. Another concept is to configure a
multi-branch exhaust aftertreatment system without valves, dampers, or
other electronically controlled devices adapted to selectively alter the
distribution of the exhaust between the branches. The absence of such
devices generally results in a comparatively balanced division of exhaust
between the branches. One benefit of this configuration is improved
reliability as compared to systems that use valves.