The Challenges of Applying Catalytic Aftertreatment to Small Utility Engines

961735

08/01/1996

Event
International Off-Highway & Powerplant Congress & Exposition
Authors Abstract
Content
Regulations are being considered or have already been enacted to limit the exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons, CO and NOx from small engines, such as those used in the lawn and garden industry. One of the most promising ways for engine manufacturers to comply with current and future emission standards is through the use of catalysts. However, these small engines provide an environment with a number of challenges for emission catalyst activity and durability which are not found with automotive exhaust, which is traditionally where catalysts of this type have been used. Problems unique to the small engine can include extremely short catalyst residence times, high hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide to oxygen ratios, overall high levels of emissions leading to high reaction exotherms, and pertubated flow due to single cylinder operation. A number of catalyst variables were tested using 4-stroke engines. This paper will describe how some of these issues can affect catalyst performance and recommend directions to optimize emissions reductions.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/961735
Pages
9
Citation
Silver, R., and Howitt, J., "The Challenges of Applying Catalytic Aftertreatment to Small Utility Engines," SAE Technical Paper 961735, 1996, https://doi.org/10.4271/961735.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Aug 1, 1996
Product Code
961735
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English