Studies on Exhaust Emissions from Copper-Coated Gasohol Run Spark Ignition Engine with Catalytic Converter

Abstract

The major pollutants emitted from spark ignition engine are carbon monooxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (UHC). These are hazardous and cause health problems to human beings, and hence control of these pollutants calls for immediate attention. Copper of thickness 300 microns is coated over piston crown and inside portion of the cylinder head of the spark ignition engine. Investigations have been carried out for reducing pollutants from a variable compression ratio, copper-coated spark ignition engine fitted with catalytic converter containing sponge iron catalyst run with gasohol (blend of 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline by volume). The influence of parameters such as void ratio, airflow rate, temperature of injected air, speed, compression ratio, and load of the engine on these emissions are studied. A microprocessor-based analyzer is used for the measurement of CO/UHC in the exhaust of the engine. The speed, load, compression ratio and the injection of air into the catalytic converter are found to show strong influence on reduction of the pollutants in the exhaust. Copper-coated spark ignition engine with gasohol operation reduced the exhaust emissions considerably when compared to conventional engine with pure gasoline operation.