Performance Test of Synthesized Catalysts (Co3O4/TiO2) & WO3 in Dual Bed Configuration using Engine Dynamometer for CO & NOx Abatement

Abstract

The environment in our cities is increasingly being polluted as a result of the escalating population and subsequent upsurge in the use of vehicles. The emission of greenhouse gases through use of fossil fuels has been on the rise mainly because a lot of it has been burnt during transportation or for industrial purposes.

The use of surface chemistry in heterogeneous catalyst technology has facilitated the creation of catalytic methods for managing and reducing pollution. Catalytic converters are one technological approach to controlling vehicle emissions.

In this study, we present the performance of a dual bed catalytic converter featuring a WO3- based catalyst on Bed #1 and a composite oxide Co3O4/TiO2 on Bed #2, both utilizing a steel wire mesh substrate.

The dual bed catalysts have been synthesized via hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods. They were then tested for their effectiveness in oxidizing CO and reducing NOx emissions from a 169 cm3 engine mounted on an engine test bed with a dynamometer.

The evaluation was supposed to be conducted under simulated real driving conditions (idle, acceleration, and deceleration) by varying the torque/load on the engine and measuring the total distance traveled, with the help of RPM monitoring in accordance with the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure).

Along the exercise, it was observed that engine under test was discharging exhaust gases at lower temperatures below 150°C which was quite lower than expected range of

xvi Temperature was above 200°C to 300°C, supplementary electric heating element was subsequently added to raise temperature of exhaust to investigate the performance of dual bed catalyst assembly at constant high load / high torque conditions.

The results revealed the combined effect of dual bed catalyst, impact could be due to existence of a catalytic synergistic effect of Co3O4 / TiO2 and WO3 beds. Maximum Emission rate after treatment measured in case of CO and NOx is 1020 ppm & 48 ppm respectively. Overall Conversion Efficiency Demonstrated for CO Levels reduced 83% and NOx Levels reduced 72%.