Grantee Research Project Results
Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines
EPA Contract Number: 68D70021Title: Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines
Investigators: Nemser, Stuart
Small Business: Compact Membrane Systems Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1997) RFA Text | 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., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Toxics, Sustainable Industry/Business, air toxics, Sustainable Environment, cleaner production/pollution prevention, HAPS, VOCs, Technology for Sustainable Environment, mobile sources, New/Innovative technologies, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Environmental Engineering, Nox, Nitrogen Oxides, hydrocarbon, nitrogren oxides (NOx), engines, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon monoxide, spark engine, lean burn engine, hydrocarbons, engine, lean burn enginesProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines | 1997 Progress Report | Final ReportThe 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.