Pollutant Formation and Limitation*

Abstract

Under engine conditions, ideal combustion is impossible because of the lack of chemical equilibrium and the inhomogeneous gas phase. The typical combustion products resulting from incomplete combustion are as follows: carbon monoxide (CO), a combustion intermediate; unburned and partially oxidized hydrocarbons; oxides of nitrogen; hydrogen; and particulate matter. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), although the most commonly emitted combustion gas, is normally not considered as a pollutant since adverse health effects are not known. However, CO 2 should be regarded as a serious pollutant in terms of its global-warming potential. Any sulfur contained in the fuel is emitted through the tailpipe in the form of sulfur compounds, mostly as SO 2 . Under atmospheric conditions, the SO 2 is oxidized to SO 3 , which leads to the formation of sulfuric acid.

Authors 5

1. Martin Votsmeier

   Umicore (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   Umicore AG & Co KG, Rodenbacher Chaussee 4, Hanau, 63457 Germany

2. Thomas Kreuzer

   Umicore (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   Umicore AG & Co KG, Rodenbacher Chaussee 4, Hanau, 63457 Germany

3. J. Gieshoff

   Umicore (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   Umicore AG & Co KG, Rodenbacher Chaussee 4, Hanau, 63457 Germany

4. Gerhard Lepperhoff Aachen FEV Motorentechnik

   FEV (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   FEV Motorentechnik, Neuenhofstr. 181, Aachen, 52078 Germany

5. Barbara Elvers
   Affiliation as printed

   Hamburg, Germany