Automobile Catalytic Converters Research Articles

Acoustic energy output and coupling effect of a pair of thermoacoustic lasers

SUMMARY Two identical TA (ThermoAcoustic) lasers were constructed, tested, and characterized for the generation and manipulation of high-amplitude acoustic waves from heat. Pyrex glass tubes with one open end and ceramics used in automobile catalytic converters were employed to fabricate the TA lasers. The ceramic stack in each TA laser was heated by a thin NiCr (nichrome) resistance wire at one end, and cooled at the other end by radiation and natural convection of atmospheric air. Generated acoustic energy and sound waves were analyzed for different power input rates and laser position arrangements. Changes in wave amplitude and phase difference due to triggered excitation and cross talking between the two TA lasers were investigated. Also tested and characterized were the focusing and synchronization of the two laser outputs for manipulating the acoustic waves and energy intensity. Direct applications of large quantities of acoustic energy generated by multiple TA lasers were addressed. It was found that the sound waves generated by a pair of identical TA lasers were almost 180° out of phase when the openings of the two lasers were very close to each other, resulting in much lower sound energy levels at the focusing point. When the two lasers were placed far apart, the phase difference between the two laser outputs varied with time. Amplitudes of both sound waves increased slightly when the two laser outputs were in phase. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Recovery by hydrometallurgical extraction of the platinum-group metals from car catalytic converters

The car industry is one of the technological applications which more platinum-group metals (PGM) employs. Therefore, the recovery of the PGMs from the car catalytic converters could be an important source to obtain these precious metals, with economic and environmental consequences. In this work, the car catalytic converters were characterized through different techniques as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma. In order to suggest an environmentally friendly method for the recovery of PGMs, some conditions such as the reagents concentration and composition, energy optimization, pre-treatment in hydrogen atmosphere and a thermal pre-treatment were studied. In addition, a new alternative to recover at least the 95% of the PGMs present in the car catalytic converters by the application of lees aggressive, corrosive or expensive reagents and conditions is proposed.

CCQM key comparison CCQM-K75: Determination of toxic metals in algae

The determination of mass fraction of toxic elements and especially platinum emitted from automobile catalytic converters in the air is a critical factor in assessing air quality and the potential impact of possible pollutants. Air is in fact one of the main pathways for human exposure to toxic elements. Biomonitors, such as lichen and algae, are examples of environmental samples that have been widely used by the scientific community to assess and monitor the level of environmental pollution. For this purpose, the IAEA-450 algae material containing heavy metals and platinum at low level was prepared by IAEA Seibersdorf Laboratories in collaboration with the Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection—ISPRA (former APAT). During the April meeting in 2009 of the Inorganic Analysis Working Group (IAWG) of the CCQM it was agreed to organize a key comparison K75 for Pt and Ni and a parallel pilot study P118 for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Pt using this algae material.The key comparison CCQM-K75 was successfully organized. The participating NMIs demonstrated a high level of measurement capabilities and technical competence in analysing nickel and platinum at a low level of concentration in environmental samples such as algae. The between-laboratories reproducibility standard deviation for nickel and platinum was 1.9% and 3.6% respectively, which reflects an excellent agreement of between-laboratories measurement results. The ratio between the bias and its expanded uncertainty for nickel and platinum was below 2.0 for all reported results except in one case. This study was a practical demonstration of a CCQM comparison to use the 'core-capabilities' utilized by participants as a mean of providing evidence for Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMC) claims for Ni and Pt.Based on this CCQM international key comparison, the measurement capability of the NMIs which participated in the CCQM-K75 has been demonstrated directly for determination of Pt and Ni in algae matrix. In addition, the NMIs demonstrated a wide range of 'core-capabilities' applicable to other measurement applications.Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

The characteristics of automobile catalyst-derived platinum group elements in road dusts and roadside soils: a case study in the Pearl River Delta region, South China

The emission of platinum group elements (PGE) from automobile catalytic converters has led to enrichment of PGE in road dusts and roadside soils in urban areas that are well above the natural background levels. This paper evaluates the source of contamination of all the PGE and Au in road dusts and roadside soils in the Pearl River Delta region, including three major cities, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, South China. Samples were digested using Carius tube and analyzed by isotope dilution ICP-MS; Os was separated by distillation and other PGE by Te-coprecipitation. All samples have elevated PGE concentrations above the background values of uncontaminated soils and contain higher Pt, Pd and Rh than other PGE. The maximum values are 181 ng/g Pt, 514 ng/g Pd, 53 ng/g Rh and 1345 ng/g Au. There are clear positive correlations between Pt and Pd, Pt and Rh, and Pd and Rh, indicating that the main emitted of PGE from automobile catalyst are Pt, Pd and Rh. High concentrations of Au were also found in road dust samples from Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Dust samples with higher Os contents have lower 187Os/188Os ratios. Samples from Hong Kong show relatively high Pt/Rh ratios. Positive correlations between Pt and Ru, and Pt and Ir were found in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, but only positive correlations between Pt and Ir were found in Guangzhou. These different characteristics reflect different automobile catalytic systems used in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Selective recovery of catalyst layer from supporting matrix of ceramic-honeycomb-type automobile catalyst

Natural resources of platinum group metals (PGMs) are limited and their demand is increasing because of their extensive uses in industrial applications. The low rate of production of PGMs due to low concentration in the related natural ores and high cost of production have made the recovery of PGMs from previously discarded catalytic converters a viable proposition. The ceramic-honeycomb-type automobile catalytic converter contains appreciable amount of PGMs. These valuable substances, which are embedded in the catalyst layer and covered on the surface of the supporting matrix, were selectively recovered by attrition scrubbing. The attrition scrubbing was effective for the selective recovery of catalyst layer. The process was convinced as the comminution and separation process by physical impact and shearing action between particles in the scrubbing vessel. The catalyst layer was dislodged from the surface of the supporting matrix into fine particles by attrition scrubbing. The recovery of Al 2O 3 and total PGMs in the fraction less than 300 μm increased with the residence time whereas their contents in the recovered materials slightly decreased. The interparticle scrubbing became favorable when the initial input size increased. However, the solid/liquid ratio in the mixing vessel was slightly affected by the low density of converter particles.

Anthropogenic platinum, palladium and rhodium concentrations in road dusts from Hyderabad city, India

This paper presents the first study of accessing the Pt, Pd and Rh levels in road dusts collected from Hyderabad city, India, as these metals, emitted from automobile catalytic converters, are accumulating in the environment causing concern about human health and ecological risks. Samples were analyzed by ICP-MS following preconcentration by NiS-fire assay and Te coprecipitation. Pt (1.5–43 ng/g), Pd (1.2–58 ng/g) and Rh (0.2–14.2 ng/g) concentrations obtained were above upper crust values, but were lower when compared with several other cities around the world. Dust samples from road junctions and traffic signals with heavy and erratic traffic flow showed higher PGE levels than those from roads with low and free flow traffic suggesting that traffic flow conditions greatly influenced emission of PGE from the catalyst. Significant correlation of Pt, Pd and Rh indicate a common source for these metals. PGE were also positively correlated with Ce, Zr, Hf and Y. These positive inter-element correlations identified traffic as the main source of PGE emission to the roadway environment. The results obtained indicate to an appreciable increase in auto catalyst-derived PGE. In consideration of the adverse effects of PGE, monitoring their level and transformation paths is of prime importance.

Histopathological alterations and induction of hsp70 in ramshorn snail ( Marisa cornuarietis) and zebrafish ( Danio rerio) embryos after exposure to PtCl 2

The platinum group metals (PGMs) platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh) are used in automobile catalytic converters, from which they have been emitted into the environment to an increasing degree during the last 20 years. Despite the bioavailability of these metals to plants and animals, studies determining the effects of PGMs on organisms are extremely rare. In the present study, effects of various concentrations of PtCl 2 (0.1, 1, 10, 50 and 100 μg/L) were investigated with respect to the induction of hsp70 and histopathological alterations in the zebrafish, Danio rerio and the ramshorn snail, Marisa cornuarietis. Histopathological investigations revealed effects of Pt on both species, which varied between slight and strong cellular reactions, depending on the PtCl 2 concentration. The hsp70 level in M. cornuarietis did not show an increase following Pt exposure whereas it was significantly elevated at 100 μg/L PtCl 2 in D. rerio.

Study on the thermal deactivation of motorcycle catalytic converters by laboratory aging tests

Catalytic converters are used to curb exhaust pollution from motorcycles in Taiwan. A number of factors, including the length of time the converter is used for and driving conditions, affect the catalysts' properties during periods of use. The goal of this study is to resolve the thermal deactivation mechanism of motorcycle catalytic converters. Fresh catalysts were treated under different aging conditions by laboratory‐scale aging tests to simulate the operation conditions of motorcycle catalytic converters. The aged catalysts were characterized by analytical techniques in order to provide information for investigating deactivation phenomena. The time‐dependent data of specific surface areas were subsequently used to construct kinetics of sintering at the specific temperature. According to the analytical results of the catalysts' properties, the increase in aging temperature causes an increase in pore size of the catalysts and a decrease in the specific surface area. The aged catalysts all exhibited lower performances than the fresh ones. The reduction in catalytic activity is consistent with the reduction in the loss of specific surface area. The finding of catalytic properties' dependence on temperature is consistent with the thermally activated theory. In contrast, the effect of the aging time on the specific surface area was only significant during the initial few hours. The high correlation between specific surface areas measured by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and predicted by the constructed model verifies that the prediction models can predict the sintering rate reasonably under the aging conditions discussed in this study. As compared to automobile catalytic converters, the differences of structures and aging conditions are made less obvious by the deactivation phenomena of motorcycles.

A Novel Solvent Extraction Route for the Mutual Separation of Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium in Hydrochloric Acid Media

N, N′ – dimethyl ‐ N, N′ – diphenyltetradecylmalonamide (DMDPHTDMA) in 1,2‐dichloroethane has been investigated as a solvent extraction reagent to mainly perform the separation of platinum, palladium, and rhodium from each other and from some commonly associated elements contained in concentrated hydrochloric acid media. The synthetic platinum‐group metal (PGMs) solutions always contained tin chloride. The studied PGMs were easily separated from Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Mn(II), and In(III) in a single extraction step, but the complete Pt, Pd, and Rh mutual separation was not achieved in a single extraction/stripping cycle. Parameters related with PGMs labilization, such as the required concentrations of tin(II) chloride and the effect of temperature, have been studied in detail. The developed separation scheme was applied to an automobile catalytic converter leaching solution.

OSMIUM IS ANCIENT MARKER

EVIDENCE OF ANCIENT human activity can be gleaned from the concentrations of the rare element osmium in peat core samples, a new report shows. The finding suggests that osmium could be used to discover and date past human industrial activities. An international team led by Sebastien Rauch at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, shows that 4,700 years ago technologies such as mining and smelting affected the distribution and concentration of osmium in peat bogs in the Xistral Mountains of northwest Spain ( Environ. Sci. Tech. , DOI:10.1021/es901887f). Next to iridium, osmium is the least abundant element in Earth’s crust. But it can be emitted as a by-product of processes such as mining or smelting. Scientists have already discovered that some modern human technologies, including the use of automobile catalytic converters, have concentrated osmium in some areas. “In a period when we are focusing on major emissions— greenhouse gases—this study shows that human activities also affect ...

Platinum-group elements in sewage sludge and incinerator ash in the United Kingdom: Assessment of PGE sources and mobility in cities

Platinum-group element (PGE) concentrations in sewage sludge and incinerator ash compared with average PGE concentrations in road dust show a common pattern, characterized by a negative Rh anomaly. This similarity, found at 9 UK incinerators, suggests that there is a universal characteristic PGE pattern produced by common processes of dispersal of Pt, Pd and Rh derived from automobile catalytic converters. Ninety-one sewage sludge and incinerator ash samples from the sewage treatment facilities in Sheffield, Birmingham and 7 other UK cities were analyzed for PGE. The highest concentrations are 602 ppb Pt and 710 ppb Pd with lower maximum concentrations of 65 ppb Rh, 100 ppb Ru, 33 ppb Ir and 12 ppb Os. Ash from incinerated sewage was found to have higher PGE concentrations compared to the original sludge and the PGE ratios are preserved during incineration. Rh is more mobilized and dispersed than the other PGE as it is transported from roads into the drainage system and into sewage. Pt/Pd ratios of 1.0 in road dust and 0.9 in sewage and incinerator ash suggest that Pd is more mobile than Pt during dispersal. PGE abundances in stored incinerator ash of varying ages appear to have been affected by the variation in use of Pt, Pd and Rh in catalytic converters due to variation in their market prices. Concentrations of Os, Ir and Ru in ashes are greater in Sheffield and London than all the other city sites and may be derived from point industrial sources.

Uptake of platinum by zebrafish ( Danio rerio) and ramshorn snail ( Marisa cornuarietis) and resulting effects on early embryogenesis

Platinum group elements (PGEs), platinum, palladium and rhodium are widely used in automobile catalytic converters. PGEs are emitted into the environment and enter the aquatic ecosystem via runoff rainwater. The present study investigated the bioavailability of platinum chloride for the zebrafish ( Danio rerio) and the ramshorn snail ( Marisa cornuarietis) and determined the bioaccumulation rate of platinum. Applying the fish early life stage assay for D. rerio (DarT) and the Marisa embryo toxicity test (“Mariett”) for M. cornuarietis, effects of platinum chloride on the embryonic development were investigated. Platinum concentrations tested in this study ranged from environmentally relevant concentrations of 38 ng L −1 up to a concentration of 74.2 μg L −1 for D. rerio and of 200 ng L −1 up to 98.7 μg L −1 for M. cornuarietis. Platinum was found to be accumulated in both organisms. Bioaccumulation factors ( BAFs) were in the range of 5–55 for D. rerio and of 218.4–723.9 for M. cornuarietis, depending on the tested Pt concentrations. During the embryonic development, platinum was shown to alter the heart rate of both organisms already at the lowest tested concentration. At higher concentrations, platinum decelerated the hatching rate of the embryos of both species. Additionally, a retardation of the general development and a loss of weight due to platinum exposure was observed in M. cornuarietis. Results of this study contribute important data on the ecotoxicity of a rarely studied element.

Development of single-action, two-step clinching system using finite element analysis

Traditional manufacturing processes for bending and combining the upper and lower heat insulation plates for a car catalytic converter need two kinds of bending dies. This study was carried out to develop a single-action, two-step clinching system for clinching heat insulation plates. To design the operating mechanism for this clinching system, finite element analysis was used to estimate the bending load needed and to predict the bent shape of the heat insulation plate. Then a recovery and cushioning system was designed for the bending die. It is expected that this new process will improve the manufacturing quality of heat insulation plates and will reduce manufacturing cost. And a higher value-added technique for mold and pressing systems was introduced.

Anthropogenic osmium in rain and snow reveals global-scale atmospheric contamination

Osmium is one of the rarer elements in seawater, with typical concentration of approximately 10 x 10(-15) g g(-1) (5.3 x 10(-14) mol kg(-1)). The osmium isotope composition ((187)Os/(188)Os ratio) of deep oceans is 1.05, reflecting a balance between inputs from continental crust (approximately 1.3) and mantle/cosmic dust (approximately 0.13). Here, we show that the (187)Os/(188)Os ratios measured in rain and snow collected around the world range from 0.16 to 0.48, much lower than expected (>1), but similar to the isotope composition of ores (approximately 0.2) that are processed to extract platinum and other metals to be used primarily in automobile catalytic converters. Present-day surface seawater has a lower (187)Os/(188)Os ratio (approximately 0.95) than deep waters, suggesting that human activities have altered the isotope composition of the world's oceans and impacted the global geochemical cycle of osmium. The contamination of the surface ocean is particularly remarkable given that osmium has few industrial uses. The pollution may increase with growing demand for platinum-based catalysts.

A study of the exposure of various population groups to platinum in Vienna (Austria) through urine analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Platinum is emitted to environment by automobile catalytic converters (ACCs), hospitals, noble metal refineries, and other industries. Due to abrasion of ACCs platinum leaves the cars with the exhaust fumes and can thus be found in urban and rural atmospheres. To study the exposure to this element its concentration in urine is determined. Urine represents an often used specimen for monitoring studies, as it plays an important role in the elimination of various substances from the body and in addition it can be collected easily. It is supposed that the Pt-intake depends on the physical activity of a person, i.e. the amount of air inhaled and food consumed. Therefore subjects without and with one or two hip-endoprostheses were selected for this monitoring study. The medians obtained for the Pt-concentration of the urine-samples of these three groups were 3.7 µg/g, 3.3 µg/g and 1.9 µg/g for persons with no, one and two prostheses, respectively. Applying a Mann–Whitney- U-test on these data leads to a p-value of 0.051 comparing the groups with n = 0 and n = 2, and a p-value of 0.052 for n = 1 and n = 2 ( n = number of prostheses).

Is microwave digestion using TFM vessels a suitable preparation method for Pt determination in biological samples by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry?

The occurrence of Pt in environmental matrices is increasing since the introduction of automobile catalytic converters. Given that Pt is bioavailable and causes biological effects in plants and animals, respective biomonitoring programs are in high demand. But the analytical methods for conducting such programs have not yet been sufficiently established. Therefore, a study was carried out to develop a microwave digestion of biological samples, which allows a rapid determination of Pt by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry. A high pressure microwave system was used and the digestion was performed in HNO 3 and HCl. After digestion the HNO 3 was evaporated with a microwave assisted vacuum concentration set. The study resulted in a procedural detection limit of 37.5 ng L −1 and a relative standard deviation of 18%. A recovery study resulted in a Pt loss below 5%. The microwave assisted evaporation of HNO 3 performed satisfactorily and up to 500 mL of the sample solution could be used for the voltammetric measurements without any effect on the peak heights. A direct comparison of Pt concentrations conducted after microwave digestion and digestion by high pressure ashing showed similar values. However, these promising results were not persistent throughout the repeated analysis using the same Teflon vessels. The vessels did not endure the harsh conditions and due to aging processes the Pt loss consistently increased until Pt determination in environmental relevant concentrations became impossible. Quartz vessels could not be employed as an alternative to the Teflon vessels, due to a lack of compatibility with the vacuum concentration system. Consequently, the results of this paper show that there is a need for further development of more resistant Teflon materials.

Survey of the Distribution and Time-Dependent Increase of Platinum-Group Element Accumulation Along Urban Roads in Ioannina (NW Greece)

The emission of platinum group elements (PGEs) from automobile catalytic converters has led to rapid increases in Pt, Pd, and Rh concentrations in roadside media. This article represents the first systematic study in Greece to assess PGE levels in road dust and roadside soil and their temporal variation on a seasonal basis over a 12-month period. Road dust and roadside soil samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry following microwave digestion. Concentrations of PGE in all samples were above the average upper crust values and local background levels, with maximum values of 306.4 ng/g Pt, 18.2 ng/g Pd, and 64.6 ng/g Rh in road dust and 225 ng/g Pt, 14.0 ng/g Pd, and 49.5 ng/g Rh in roadside soil. PGE ratios were not consistent with known catalytic converter composition throughout the sampling period reflecting the high emission of Rh from new catalytic converters. Spatial variations were influenced by various factors like driving style, matrix composition, diurnal change in traffic volume, and climatic conditions. With regard to seasonal variations, systematic changes in the temporal distribution of PGE levels were observed and followed a similar pattern between the two matrices. Except PGEs, Pb levels were determined, since it has been a typical indicator of vehicle-derived environmental lead pollution. The data indicate that despite the use of unleaded gasoline, traffic-related sources of Pb that induce levels above the local background have not been eliminated.

Concentrations of anthropogenic Pt and Pd in urban roadside soils in Xuzhou, China

The potential accumulation of platinum group elements (PGE) in the environment from automobile catalysts is high in urban areas, with the major sinks being roadside soils. Therefore, this investigation presented the detailed study on characterized concentrations of Pt and Pd and their enrichment ratios in urban roadside soils in Xuzhou, China in March 2003. Data from 21 roadside topsoil samples analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) illustrated that the medians of concentrations of Pt and Pd were 2.9 and 2.8 ng/g, respectively. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that Pt and Pd were mainly from traffic emissions. Compared to unpolluted soils, computation of Pt and Pd enrichment ratios suggested that the Xuzhou roadside soils had average enrichment factors of 3.53 for Pt (in range of 1.22–5.73) and of 3.37 for Pd (in range of 1.35–4.46). Lower Pt/Pd ratios (in range of 0.35–2.86) in relation to similar studies in other countries were observed, which might be due to the different Pt/Pd ratios in Chinese automobile catalytic converters. Moreover, fine fraction (<250 μm) contained higher concentrations of Pt and Pd compared to the coarse fraction (250–500 μmm).

Platinum Group Metal Flows of Europe, Part 1

SummaryIn this article, we analyze flows of the platinum group metals (PGMs) platinum, palladium, and rhodium and the environmental impacts associated with their supply in Europe. A model of the use of PGMs in Europe has been developed, and this is combined with a model of environmental pressures related to PGM production.Seven industrial sectors and product groups form the main users of PGMs in Europe, comprising the chemical, petroleum, and glass industries; jewelry, dentistry, electronic equipment, and car catalysts. Most relevant environmental impacts of secondary production in Europe and primary PGM production in South Africa, Russia, and Canada are taken into account, including emissions of sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide and total material requirement.The article quantifies the PGM flows to, from, and within Europe in 2004. The automotive industry is the single largest user of primary PGMs, and catalytic converters represent the major PGM end use. The chemical and glass industries also require large amounts of PGM but rely mostly on secondary metals. The environmental impacts of primary production exceed those of secondary production by far. An analysis of the use of car catalytic converters shows that as a result of efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions in Europe, other negative environmental impacts, such as point‐source pollution and mining waste, are occurring elsewhere—for example, at extraction and refining sites in Siberia and South Africa.

Sound propagation in narrow tubes including effects of viscothermal and turbulent damping with application to charge air coolers

Charge air coolers (CACs) are used on turbocharged internal combustion engines to enhance the overall gas-exchange performance. The cooling of the charged air results in higher density and thus volumetric efficiency. It is also important for petrol engines that the knock margin increases with reduced charge air temperature. A property that is still not very well investigated is the sound transmission through a CAC. The losses, due to viscous and thermal boundary layers as well as turbulence, in the narrow cooling tubes result in frequency dependent attenuation of the transmitted sound that is significant and dependent on the flow conditions. Normally, the cross-sections of the cooling tubes are neither circular nor rectangular, which is why no analytical solution accounting for a superimposed mean flow exists. The cross-dimensions of the connecting tanks, located on each side of the cooling tubes, are large compared to the diameters of the inlet and outlet ducts. Three-dimensional effects will therefore be important at frequencies significantly lower than the cut-on frequencies of the inlet/outlet ducts. In this study the two-dimensional finite element solution scheme for sound propagation in narrow tubes, including the effect of viscous and thermal boundary layers, originally derived by Astley and Cummings [Wave propagation in catalytic converters: Formulation of the problem and finite element scheme, Journal of Sound and Vibration 188 (5) (1995) 635–657] is used to extract two-ports to represent the cooling tubes. The approximate solutions for sound propagation, accounting for viscothermal and turbulent boundary layers derived by Dokumaci [Sound transmission in narrow pipes with superimposed uniform mean flow and acoustic modelling of automobile catalytic converters, Journal of Sound and Vibration 182 (5) (1995) 799–808] and Howe [The damping of sound by wall turbulent shear layers, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 98 (3) (1995) 1723–1730], are additionally calculated for corresponding circular cross-sections for comparison and discussion. The two-ports are thereafter combined with numerically obtained multi-ports, representing the connecting tanks, in order to obtain the transmission properties for the charged air when passing the complete CAC. An attractive formalism for representation of the multi-ports based on the admittance relationship between the ports is presented. From this the first linear frequency domain model for CACs, which includes a complete treatment of losses in the cooling tubes and 3D effects in the connecting tanks is extracted in the form of a two-port. The frequency dependent transmission loss is calculated and compared to the corresponding experimental data with good agreement.