REDUCTION OF EXHAUST GASES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES USING CATALYSTS

Abstract

The impact of exhaust gases on the environment is enhanced with the increase in the number of motor vehicles. Exhaust gases from the vehicle contain over one hundred intermediates and compounds of which some are toxic to the human organism and also adversely affect the environment. Chemical mechanisms in engine combustion are very complex and depend on many factors.

After industrial plants, the largest source of environmental pollution is vehicle exhaust emissions. There are emission standards for each type of vehicle in all European countries. The automotive industry must demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations to obtain a manufacturing license.

Each european country also legally prescribes a regular observance of emission limits for all vehicles through technical inspections. They measure emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. Measuring techniques used for this purpose are IC spectrometers, but sometimes gas chromatographs with FID (flame ionization detector) are used. In some countries, it is recommended to measure nitrogen oxides. They use chemiluminescence detectors for this purpose.