Cost-Effective Catalytic Converter Technology for Emission Control in 2-Stroke Engine Vehicles

A novel catalytic converter technology for 2 stroke engine application has been successfully developed and tested on select two wheeler vehicles. The catalytic converter uses spherical beads, as catalyst carrier, that is characterised by its very low thermal expansion coefficient and excellent thermal shock resistance. This catalyst carrier is very different from the old fixed bed pelleted catalyst carrier used in the four wheelers in late 1970's and early 1980's, in terms of its:

• chemical and mineralogical composition
• microstructure and
• other physical properties

When suitably catalysed and canned, it offers unique advantages over conventional honeycomb catalyst on account of its high conversion efficiency, good durability and easy catalyst replacement/refill capability. The reactor which houses the catalyst bead is so designed that it offers least pressure drop across the converter and negligible power loss at WOT conditions.

The power loss and durability data upto 15,000 kms on a typical 2 wheeler moped confirms the good conversion efficiency of the catalyst and brings out its potential as a suitable cost effective alternative technology ideally suited for Indian roads. The work reported here is the outcome of the joint collaborative research programme between the R&D Divisions of The Associated Cement Cos.Ltd. and Indian Oil Corpn. Ltd. aimed at developing a suitable cost effective catalytic converter technology for small 2 stroke engine vehicles.