Effect of geometric parameters on the performance of motorcycle catalytic converters

Abstract

The critical environmental issues of the Indonesian automotive market growth are the increase in air pollution. Vehicle exhaust emission can cause significant problems for the human health and the environment. Therefore, vehicle emission control is indispensable to mitigate the environmental problem. One of the most widely used methods to reduce automotive emission is utilization of catalytic converter in exhaust system. In fact, the catalyst performance in the reduction of noxious gases depends on its material and geometric design. This study aims to evaluate the effect of geometric parameter on the performance of motorcycle catalytic converters. In this experimental study, the catalytic converter made of brass foil plate is mounted on motorcycle muffler. The effectiveness of three catalyst geometry models namely flat perforated plate, folded perforated plate and rolled brass sheet, will be evaluated in relation to the reduction of hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) content. HC and CO emission levels are measured by four gas analyzers. The results show that the geometric parameter has a significant effect on HC and CO’s composition in the exhaust gas. For idle speed test, the second geometry model of catalyst presents the best performance in reduction of Hydrocarbon and CO2 concentration.