An Experimental Study on Exhaust Emissions from Copper-coated Gasohol Run Spark Ignition Engine with Catalytic Converter

Carbon monooxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (UHC) are the main pollutants generated by spark ignition engines. Because these pollutants are dangerous and create health problems in humans, they must be controlled immediately. The piston crown and interior portion of the cylinder head of the spark ignition engine are covered with 300 micron copper. A variable compression ratio, copper-coated spark ignition engine with a catalytic converter incorporating sponge iron catalyst has been investigated for lowering emissions when run with gasohol (blend of 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent gasoline by volume). The effect of variables such as void ratio, airflow rate, injected air temperature, speed, compression ratio, and engine load on these emissions is investigated. CO/UHC in the exhaust of the engine is measured using a microprocessor-based analyser. The reduction of pollutants in the exhaust is shown to be strongly influenced by speed, load, compression ratio, and air injection into the catalytic converter. When compared to a normal engine running on pure gasoline, a copper-coated spark ignition engine running on gasohol lowered exhaust pollutants significantly.