Some Effects of Fuel Injection System Parameters on Diesel Exhaust Emissions

The products of diesel combustion, including hydrocarbons, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and exhaust smoke are being controlled by current and future emission standards of federal and state governments. Fuel injection parameters, including tip design, injection timing, rate of injection, and the number and size of tip orifices were investigated with the unit injector, used in Detroit Diesel engines, for influence on these emissions. Results are presented to show control of hydrocarbon emissions by injector tip design. Reduction in nitric oxide emissions by changing injection parameters is limited by increased exhaust smoke and carbon monoxide and losses in fuel economy. Emission levels with the standard injector and an experimental injector, combining several injection parameter revisions, are compared with the 1973 California emission standards for diesel engines.