Exhaust odor and smoke reduction of stationary DI diesel engines to acceptable level by water-scrubbing and air-dilution system

Abstract

A simple low-cost exhaust gas aftertreatment system called water-scrubbing and air-dilution system was developed in this study. The water-scrubbing and air-dilution system was investigated on a stationary direct injection (DI) diesel engine to reduce exhaust odor and smoke to acceptable level under variable engine running conditions. Diesel exhaust was diluted with air and washed by sprayed water and passed through a silica gel-absorber. Moderate-to-strong exhaust odor reduced to almost no odor level and strong smoke level reduced to almost no smoke or very slight smoke level. Other emissions like carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2) and oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) were significantly reduced. Irritants in exhaust gases were also significantly reduced making almost no eye irritation. There was no fuel penalty by using the system as compared to without system.