Emissions Control Technology
The role of catalysts, filters and adsorbers within an integrated approach
If we could burn gasoline or diesel perfectly in pure oxygen it would produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapour (H2O), and energy. However, in reality it is never possible to burn fuels perfectly, so there are always some emissions of unburnt and partially-burnt fuel leading to emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulates) together with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from the (undesired) oxidation of the nitrogen in the air.
Catalysts, adsorbers and filters are part of a complete powertrain system, where all the elements must work together to achieve the greatest possible reduction in emissions within an integrated approach. The fuel and fuel system, the engine and its combustion system, the hybrid electric motor, sensors and the design and location of the catalysts and filter combine with the electronic control system to give the maximum emissions reductions. AECC’s members therefore work closely with the automotive manufacturers and their system suppliers to virtually eliminate pollutant emissions under most real driving conditions.
Current emission legislation contains specific procedures for individual technologies. To acknowledge the integrated approach, future Euro 7/VII regulation should consider the emissions that come out of the vehicle as emissions generated by a single system. This means that vehicle emissions should be below the limit, no matter what the powertrain technology package is.
For more information on air quality, climate change and health effects
Application of Emissions Control Technologies
The catalytic converter mounted in the exhaust system consists of a substrate with or without a catalytic coating or a homogeneous catalyst depending on the type of catalyst, adsorber or filter. Catalysts generally need the exhaust line to heat up to a suitable operating temperature, but with modern systems, appropriate system layout and thermal management (e.g. via late post-injection, variable valve actuation or electrically heated catalysts) this is reached within seconds after starting the vehicle.
For more information on the technology behind emission control catalysts
Durable Solutions
If we could burn gasoline or diesel perfectly in pure oxygen it would produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapour (H2O), and energy. However, in reality it is never possible to burn fuels perfectly, so there are always some emissions of unburnt and partially-burnt fuel leading to emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulates) together with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from the (undesired) oxidation of the nitrogen in the air.
Catalysts, adsorbers and filters are part of a complete powertrain system, where all the elements must work together to achieve the greatest possible reduction in emissions within an integrated approach. The fuel and fuel system, the engine and its combustion system, the hybrid electric motor, sensors and the design and location of the catalysts and filter combine with the electronic control system to give the maximum emissions reductions. AECC’s members therefore work closely with the automotive manufacturers and their system suppliers to virtually eliminate pollutant emissions under most real driving conditions.
Current emission legislation contains specific procedures for individual technologies. To acknowledge the integrated approach, future Euro 7/VII regulation should consider the emissions that come out of the vehicle as emissions generated by a single system. This means that vehicle emissions should be below the limit, no matter what the powertrain technology package is.
For further information on the importance of fuel quality for catalyst performance