ASSESSING CATALYTIC CONVERTER DEGRADATION IN EMISSION REDUCTION: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CO, THC, AND NOx ACROSS MILEAGE, ENGINE CAPACITY, AND TRANSMISSION TYPE

Authors

  • Hasan Basri Master of Mechanical Engineering Program, Universitas Mercu Buana
  • Akhmad Andriyan Nugroho Nugroho Master of Mechanical Engineering Program, Universitas Mercu Buana
  • Ayu Pratiwi Master of Mechanical Engineering Program, Universitas Mercu Buana
  • Jong Shoo Rhee
  • Farrah Anis Fazliatun Adnan 3Small Islands Research, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia, Sabah 88400, Malaysia
  • Dianta Ginting 1Master of Mechanical Engineering Program, Faculty Engineering, Universitas Mercubuana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51200/bsj.v46i1.5948

Keywords:

Exhaust Gas Emission, Catalytic Converter, Euro4, NEDC, tTotal hydrocarbons (THC),

Abstract

Environmental problems are a global concern, prompting all countries to implement increasingly strict emission regulations. For motorized vehicles with combustion engines, exhaust emissions are a primary concern. Catalytic converters in gasoline-powered cars are designed to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), total hydrocarbons (THC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) throughout the vehicle's operational lifespan. This study evaluates the emission performance of various catalytic converter types after prolonged use.

 

In this study, a comprehensive analysis was performed on 20 passenger vehicles from different models, such as AMPV, BMPV, SUV, and Van that varied in catalytic converter type, engine capacity, transmission model, and mileage. Emission tests were conducted using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) method to assess compliance with both Indonesian regulations and EURO-4 standards. This study presents differences in performance between types of catalytic converters regarding CO, THC, and NOx emissions. In particular, type D catalytic converters exhibited the lowest CO emissions, while type B showed higher average CO and NOx emissions compared to the other types. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistically showed across all converter types significant differences in THC emissions (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in CO and NOx emissions (p > 0.05).

 

We found that catalytic converter Type D performed better in reducing CO and THC emissions, although it did not significantly reduce NOx emissions compared to other types. Consequently, Type D is recommended for optimal emission reduction. Conversely, Type B requires further investigation due to its higher emission levels over time.  Materials like alumina, cerium oxide, and zirconia are typically used in wash coats to improve catalytic oxidation and reduce THC emissions. The exact impact on THC reduction depends not only on the choice of wash coat material but also on the catalyst formulation and engine conditions. Enhanced performance can be achieved by combining these materials with the appropriate active metals, optimizing conditions for hydrocarbon oxidation. Future research should explore the performance of catalytic converters concerning the detailed composition and structure of the substrate material and wash coat. Additionally, vehicle operational variables and periodic maintenance should be considered as factors that influence performance.

Author Biography

Hasan Basri, Master of Mechanical Engineering Program, Universitas Mercu Buana

first author 

References

WHO. Ambient Air Pollution: A Global Assessment of Exposure and Burden of Disease. Air Quality, Energy, and Health (AQE), Environment, Climate Change, and Health (ECH). ISBN: 9789241511353, 2016.

European Environment Agency. Explaining Road Transport Emissions. ISBN: 978-92-9213-723-6. DOI: 10.2800/71804, 2016.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Overview of Greenhouse Gases. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases. 2024.

International Energy Agency. Energy Technology Perspectives. https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-technology-perspectives, 2017.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. UNECE Adopts Global-Regulation to Measure Tailpipe Emissions in Real Driving Conditions. https://unece.org/media/Transport/press/379978. 2023.

European Commission. Emission Standards: Europe. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/transport/road-transport-reducing-co2-emissions-vehicles/co2-emission-performance-standards-cars-and-vans_en, 2019.

Kholod, N., & Evans, M. (2016). Reducing black carbon emissions from diesel vehicles in Russia: An assessment and policy recommendations. Environmental Science & Policy, 56, 1-8.

Pers Conference, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia. (2017). Implementation of Euro 4 Standards in Indonesia. SP. 74 /HUMAS/PP/HMS.3/04/2017

ASEAN Automotive Federation. (2019). ASEAN Regional Strategy on Sustainable Land Transport. ISBN 978-602-5798-31-3

Republic of Indonesia. (2017). Presidential Regulation No. 22/2017 on National Energy Plan.

Tempo. (February 7, 2024). Gaikindo Welcomes Luhut's Plan to Raise Indonesia's Emission Standards to Euro5.

OECD. (2017). Environmental Performance Reviews: Indonesia. ISSN: 19900090 (online)

https://doi.org/10.1787/19900090

AEA Technology 2021). Appendix 1: EU Emission Standards for Petrol Vehicles. AEAT/ENV/R/0679 Issue 3. https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/reports/cat15/0408171318 _SIPhase1reportAppendix1Issue3.pdf

European Commission. (2008). Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on type approval of motor vehicles.

European Automobile Manufacturers Association. (2016). Overview of Euro emission standards.

Transport & Environment. (2019). The impact of vehicle emission standards.

International Council on Clean Transportation. (2016). European vehicle market statistics.

World Health Organization. (2016). Health impacts: Health risk assessment on air pollutants.

Heck, M., et al. (2012). Catalytic air pollution control: Commercial technology.

Twigg, M. V. (2007). Progress and future challenges in controlling automotive exhaust gas emissions. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 70(1-4), 2-15.

Ashok, B., et al. (2022). Emission formation in IC engines: In NOx emission control technologies in stationary and automotive internal combustion engines.

Milku, A. K., et al. (2024). Evaluating the categorical effect of vehicle characteristics on exhaust emissions.

Johnson, T. V. (2009). Review of vehicular emissions trends. SAE International Journal of Engines, 2(1), 548-569.

Barakat, T., et al. (2014). Aging of three-way catalysts (TWC): Impact on performance. Catalysis Today, 229, 9-15.

Beutel, T., et al. (2013). Deactivation and regeneration of automotive catalysts. Topics in Catalysis, 56(1-8), 360-364.

Barbier, A., et al. (2023). Predicting instantaneous engine-out NOx emissions in a real-driving vehicle data scenario. https://doi.org/10.1177/14680874231163912.

Giuliano, M., et al. (2020). Thermal aging effects in a commercial three-way catalyst: Physical characterization of wash coat and active metal evolution.

Gaisford, S., et al. (2010). The deactivation of automotive catalysts. Journal of Catalysis, 269(1), 135-141.

Kim, M. K., et al. (2020). A study on characteristic emission factors of exhaust gas from diesel locomotives.

Kim, M. K., et al. (2021). The characteristics and distribution of chemical components in particulate matter emissions from diesel locomotives.

Kean, A. J., et al. (2003). Effects of vehicle speed and engine load on motor vehicle emissions.

Zhu, R., et al. (2016). Study on impact of gasoline detergent on vehicle emissions and its detergency.

Shabanov, A. Yu., et al. (2020). Analysis of the effect of detergent additives on fuel on the performance of a diesel engine. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 791, 012073.

Wang, H., et al. (2014). Effects of fuel additives on combustion and emissions. Energy & Fuels, 28(2), 1032-1040.

Zheng, Y. (2017). Influence of driver characteristics on emissions and fuel consumption.

Frey, H. C., & Zheng, J. (2002). Quantification of uncertainty in emissions estimates. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 7(3), 167-191.

Pathak, S., et al. (2016). Real world vehicle emissions: Their correlation with driving parameters.

Prakash, S. (2019). An investigation into the effect of road gradient and driving style on NOx emissions from a diesel vehicle driven on urban roads.

André, M., & Rapone, M. (2009). Analysis and modeling of the pollutant emissions from European cars. International Journal of Vehicle Design, 49(1-3), 1-13.

Pelkmans, L., & Debal, P. (2006). Comparison of on-road emissions with emissions measured on chassis dynamometer test cycles. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 11(4), 233-241.

Weiss, M., et al. (2011). A complementary emissions test for light-duty vehicles. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(19), 8575-8581.

Fontaras, G., et al. (2014). Development and review of Euro 5 passenger car emission factors based on experimental results over various driving cycles.

Hawkins, T. R., et al. (2013). Comparative environmental life cycle assessment of conventional and electric vehicles. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 17(1), 53-64.

Wu, Y., et al. (2010). On-road vehicle emission control in Beijing. Energy Policy, 41, 591-603.

Bieker, G. (2021). A global comparison of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of combustion engine and electric passenger cars. International Council on Clean Transportation.

Messagie, M., et al. (2014). A range-based vehicle life cycle assessment incorporating variability in the environmental assessment of different vehicle technologies and fuels. Energies, 7(3), 1467-1482.

Sakno, O. (2021). Study on the relationship between vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption.

Toyota Motor Corporation. (2020). Warranty and maintenance guide.

Toyota Repair Information & Service Manual. https://toyotamanuals.com.au/

European Commission. (2007). EC No. 692/2008 & No. 715/2007: New European driving cycle (NEDC).

van der Schoot, M., et al. (2001). Deterioration of automotive catalytic converters: Physical catalyst characterization. SAE Technical Paper. https://doi.org/10.4271/2001-01-3691

Rodrigues, P., et al. (2014). Evaluation of catalytic converter aging for vehicle operation with ethanol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.06.069

Ma, L. P. (2008). Kinetic study of three-way catalyst of automotive exhaust gas: Modeling and application. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2009.07.045

Huang, P., et al. (2016). Preparation, characterization, and catalytic performance of HPW/aEVM catalyst on oxidative desulfurization. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA26587A

Wang, D., et al. (2016). Catalytic performance and kinetic study of titania-supported catalysts in NH3-SCR process. ChemXpress, 9(1), 020-029.

Downloads

Published

29-03-2025
Total Views: 39 | Total Downloads: 17