Characterization of Particulate Emissions from Spark Ignition Engine Driven Vehicles with Different Fuels

This study focused on the small size nano-particulates that pose the greatest risk to human health for which significant uncertainties remain. Diesel engine powered vehicles are generally considered to be primary contributors of particulate matter and consequent health hazards as compared to particulates emitted by gasoline and gas driven vehicles.

This paper discusses the findings of particulate emissions with respect to number and size distribution with variables like lubrication system, different fuels on 2-wheelers and 3-wheeler auto rickshaw using electrically low pressure impactor (ELPI). Analysis of particulates with CVS system and direct tail pipe were also done for highlighting the ambiguity in both the measurements.

Particle number concentration was found more in the two-stroke engine powered two wheelers. Within two-stroke engine powered is also, this concentration was higher in case of two-stroke engines equipped with auto lube lubrication system as compared to premix lubrication system. Four Stroke engine running on Euro III gasoline has shown large number of particles in the size range of 0-0.48 microns. However, the size and number concentration reduced with blending of 5% ethanol in gasoline. Particulate emissions in gasoline Auto rickshaw were compared with CNG fuel. The results indicated that CNG emits larger concentration of nano particles than the gasoline. The nano particle emission with CNG fuels is mainly attributable to lubricant.