Gasoline Burner for Rapid Catalyst Light-off

This paper describes a study which was carried out to assess the potential for using a gasoline burner to heat the catalytic convertor during cold start. The results showed the catalyst/burner concept to be a promising LEV/ULEV capable technology. On a 1993 Ford Grand Marquis equipped with a catalyst burner system, catalyst light-off was achieved in less than 15 seconds while cold start HC emissions during the first 60 seconds of the FTP test were reduced by 60%. In addition, data are presented which compare the performance of the catalyst/burner to an electrically heated catalyst. In the tests performed, the catalyst/burner system out performed the EHC. Practical considerations, however, such as safety, durability, system integration, and packaging still need to be addressed.