SIMULTANEOUS CONTROL OF PARTICULATE AND NOX EMISSIONS FROM DIESEL-ENGINES

In view of increased concerns regarding the effects of diesel engine p articulate and NO, emissions on human health and the environment, legi slators are currently reviewing and proposing legislation targeting th e reduction of these pollutants. The reported serious health risks of particulate matter on the respiratory system and its carcinogenic effe cts, along with the known contributions of NO, in acid rain and ground ozone formation, demand that the enacted legislation reflect in sever ity the health and environmental threats. As a consequence, diesel eng ine manufacturers and users are under increasing pressure to greatly r educe the engine's exhaust emissions. A system which is currently bein g proposed for the simultaneous control of diesel particulate matter a nd NO, emissions involves the use of a cerium fuel-borne catalyst/filt er/EGR system. This paper describes the principles of operation of Rho ne-Poulenc's cerium fuel-borne catalyst and the factors that govern it s use.