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1997 Progress Report: Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines

EPA Contract Number: 68D98154
Title: Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines
Investigators: Nemser, Stuart
Small Business: Compact Membrane Systems Inc.
EPA Contact: Manager, SBIR Program
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through September 1, 2000
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 1996 through September 1, 1997
Project Amount: $225,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1998)
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , SBIR - Air

Description:

Lean burn spark engines are a promising technique to further reduce both NOx and hydrocarbon/carbon monoxide (HC/CO) engine emissions. Higher lean burn levels improve HC/CO oxidation while simultaneously reducing NOx formation. The NOx reduction is due to cooler flame temperatures. While the lean burn limit (beyond which combustion is poor) restricts further emission reductions, the use of oxygen enriched air (OEA) significantly extends the lean burn limit and further reduces emissions. To date, no compact supply of OEA has been available to extend the lean burn limit. Compact Membrane Systems, Inc., has developed high gas flux OEA membranes with 30 times the productivity of existing membranes. This allows compact portable OEA systems to extend automobile lean burn limits and further reduce NOx/HC/CO emissions. In Phase I, feasibility of the membranes will be demonstrated on a small (5-10 hp) engine. The goal of the project is a 40% reduction in NOx and a 15% reduction in HC emissions.

Supplemental Keywords:

small business, SBIR, air emissions, pollution prevention, engineering. , Toxics, Air, Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, HAPS, air toxics, Chemistry, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Chemistry, New/Innovative technologies, tropospheric ozone, nitrogen oxides (Nox), membrane technology, membranes, hydrocarbons, membrane technology , ambient air, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, emissions, Nox, oxidation, lean burn engine, nitrogren oxides (NOx), oxygen enriched air, Nitrogen Oxides, carbon monoxide (CO), oxidation of volitale organic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide , pollution prevention, lean burn engines, membrane modules

Progress and Final Reports:
Original Abstract
Final Report

SBIR Phase I:

Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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