Grantee Research Project Results

1997 Progress Report: Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines

EPA Contract Number: 68D98154
Title: Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines
Investigators: Nemser, Stuart
Small Business: Compact Membrane Systems Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through September 1, 2000
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 1996 through September 1, 1997
Project Amount: $225,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1999) Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics

Description:

Lean burn spark engines are a promising technique to further reduce both NOx and hydrocarbon/carbon monoxide (HC/CO) engine emissions. Higher lean burn levels improve HC/CO oxidation while simultaneously reducing NOx formation. The NOx reduction is due to cooler flame temperatures. While the lean burn limit (beyond which combustion is poor) restricts further emission reductions, the use of oxygen enriched air (OEA) significantly extends the lean burn limit and further reduces emissions. To date, no compact supply of OEA has been available to extend the lean burn limit. Compact Membrane Systems, Inc., has developed high gas flux OEA membranes with 30 times the productivity of existing membranes. This allows compact portable OEA systems to extend automobile lean burn limits and further reduce NOx/HC/CO emissions. In Phase I, feasibility of the membranes will be demonstrated on a small (5-10 hp) engine. The goal of the project is a 40% reduction in NOx and a 15% reduction in HC emissions.

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, air emissions, pollution prevention, engineering., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, HAPS, Environmental Chemistry, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, tropospheric ozone, cleaner production/pollution prevention, air toxics, New/Innovative technologies, hydrocarbons, lean burn engines, oxygen enriched air, emissions, hydrocarbon, membrane modules, membrane technology, membranes, carbon monoxide , pollution prevention, nitrogren oxides (NOx), Nitrogen Oxides, lean burn engine, Nox, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (Nox), membrane module, membrane technology , oxidation of volitale organic hydrocarbons, ambient air, oxidation

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

Final Report

SBIR Phase I:

Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines  | 1998 Progress Report