The IIEC Program—A Progress Report

After nearly three years of work in the Inter-Industry Emission Control (IIEC) program, research studies in 18 projects directed at the many mechanical and chemical engineering aspects of automotive emissions have been crystallized in three concept vehicle emission control packages. This paper will: (1) outline the makeup and emission control effectiveness of these three packages, (2) review the chemical engineering aspects of their development, and (3) document some of the major problems with these concepts that must be overcome before they can be termed feasible for production.

The major components of the three concept packages are: Package A, thermal reactor and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for use with leaded or unleaded gasoline; Package B, catalytic reactor for hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide control and EGR for use with low lead or unleaded gasoline; Package C, dual catalytic reactors to control hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and EGR, for use with unleaded gasolines. The important chemical engineering studies embodied in the concept packages include: (1) mathematical modeling of both thermal and catalytic reactors to guide their design, (2) development of effective catalysts for use with both leaded and unleaded fuel, (3) screening of high-temperature oxidation resistant materials for thermal reactor construction, and (4) studies of interactions between EGR and fuel and lubricant compositions as they relate to engine cleanliness.