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Grantee Research Project Results

Novel High Efficiency Catalytic Converter for Utility and Other Engines

EPA Contract Number: 68D30073
Title: Novel High Efficiency Catalytic Converter for Utility and Other Engines
Investigators: Pfefferle, William
Small Business: Precision Combustion, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 1993 through August 1, 1996
Project Amount: $149,850
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1993) Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics

Description:

The thirteen million two- and four-stroke gasoline utility engines sold in the U.S. each year are a major source of total U.S. air emissions. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has set emissions standards for these previously unregulated devices, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now considering setting such standards.

In Phase I, the advantageous performance of Precision Combustion, Inc.'s innovative low cost utility engine catalytic converter was demonstrated through prototype testing. The emissions of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide from both the two-stroke and a four-stroke engine were reduced by 95-99%, to well below the CARB 1999 standards. NOx emissions were not reduced, but can be controlled by other means (e.g., richer operation, EGR). The necessary excess air addition and cooling were accomplished simply and integrally to the converter.

In Phase II, optimized, manufacturable prototypes will be developed for several test engines, and long term durability will be demonstrated.

Supplemental Keywords:

Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, HAPS, mobile sources, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, VOCs, cleaner production/pollution prevention, air toxics, hydrocarbons, novel catalyst systems, treatment, hydrocarbon, nitrogren oxides (NOx), catalytic converter, Nitrogen Oxides, Nox, engine exhaust, air emissions, carbon monoxide, control, NOx reduction, nitrogen oxides (Nox), engine, engines, air pollutants, air pollution, air pollution control

Progress and Final Reports:

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    The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

    Project Research Results

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    Last updated April 28, 2023
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