Three-way catalytic converter

Three-way catalytic converter is commonly used for petrol engines. three-way catalytic
converter is used to convert 3 harmful gases like Co ,HC and N0x into harmless gases
therefore it is called as three-way catalytic converter. the catalyst like rhodium and
platinum or Palladium are coated like a honeycomb structure.

This type of converter operates in two stages

I st stage : The exhaust gases enter from one side and NOx is reduced by rhodium into N2
and O2.

2nd stage: In second stage platinum and Palladium converts HC and Co into H2O and CO2
.second stage requires oxygen therefore after first stage air from air pump is supplied with
the exhaust gases, the oxygen from air is mixed with HC and Co and thus produces H2O
(water vapour) and CO2.

Challenges and Limitations of TWCs

1. *Temperature Sensitivity:* TWCs require a specific temperature range (around 400-

800°C) to function effectively.

2. *Sulfur Poisoning:* Sulfur in the fuel can poison the catalysts, reducing their
effectiveness.

3. *Aging and Degradation:* TWCs can degrade over time, reducing their performance.

Overall, three-way catalytic converters play a vital role in reducing harmful emissions from
vehicles, helping to protect the environment and public health.
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR)

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a widely used emissions control technology in diesel
engine

*Principle:*

SCR uses a catalyst to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by converting them into
nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O).

*Components:*

1. SCR Catalyst: Typically made from titanium dioxide (TiO2), vanadium pentoxide (V2O5),
or tungsten trioxide (WO3).

2. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank: Stores a urea-based solution (32.5% urea, 67.5%
water).

3. DEF Injector: Sprays the urea solution into the exhaust gas stream.

4. Sensors: Monitor temperature, pressure, and NOx levels

Process:*

1. NOx-rich exhaust gases enter the SCR system.

2. Urea solution is injected into the exhaust gas stream.

3. Urea decomposes into ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

4. Ammonia reacts with NOx on the SCR catalyst, converting it into N2 and H2O.

5. Cleaned exhaust gases exit the system.

*Benefits:*

1. Up to 90% NOx reduction.

2. Improved fuel efficiency.

3. Lower particulate matter (PM) emissions.

4. Compliance with stringent emissions regulations.

*Applications:*

1. Diesel engines (on-road, off-road)

2. Gas turbines

3. Industrial processes (e.g., power plants)

4. Marine vessels

*Challenges:*

1. Catalyst degradation

2. Urea dosing control

3. Temperature sensitivity

4. Sulfur poisoning

SCR technology plays a vital role in reducing NOx emissions, contributing to cleaner air and
a healthier environment.

Different method used for measurement of exhaust emission

1) Infrared absorption measuring CO and CO2 ( NDIR).

2) Flame ionization detector (FID) measuring unburnt HC
3) Chemiluminescence analyzers (CLA) measuring nitric oxides (NO)
4) Oxygen analyzer measuring oxygen

1) Non – dispersive infra -red analyser (NDIR)

NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) analyzer is a type of gas analyzer that measures

the concentration of specific gases (CO&CO2) using infrared radiation.
_Principle:_
NDIR analyzers work on the principle that different gases absorb infrared
radiation at specific wavelengths. By measuring the absorption of Infra-red
radiation, the analyzer can determine the concentration of the target gas.(Co &
CO2)
Components:_

1. IR Source: Emits infrared radiation

2. Sample Chamber: Contains the gas sample

3. Detector: Measures the absorbed IR radiation
4. Optical Filter or chopper: Selects the specific wavelength for the target gas
5. Electronics: Processes the signal and displays the concentration
Working
1. IR radiation is emitted into the sample chamber
2. The target gas absorbs IR radiation at a specific wavelength
3. The detector measures the absorbed radiation
4. The electronics process the signal and calculate the concentration
5. The concentration is displayed on the analyzer
_Advantages:_

1. High accuracy and precision

2. Fast response time
3. Low maintenance
4. Non-destructive measurement
5. Can measure multiple gases simultaneously

_Applications:_

1. Industrial process control

2. Emissions monitoring
3. Environmental monitoring
4. Medical applications (e.g., anesthetic gas monitoring)
5. Laboratory research
Target gases:_

1. CO2
2. CO
3. CH4
4. NOx
5. SO2
6. H2O
7. O2
NDIR analyzers are widely used in various industries for gas monitoring and
analysis, providing accurate and reliable measurements.
 2 Flame ionization detector (FID)

A Flame Ionization Detector (FID) is a type of gas detector that measures the concentration
of organic compounds in a gas stream. (Hydrocarbon)

_Principle:_

FIDs work on the principle of ionization of organic compounds in a hydrogen flame.

_Components:_

1. Hydrogen Fuel

2. Air Supply

3. Burner

4. Collector Electrode

5. Electrometer

Working:

1. Sample gas is mixed with hydrogen and air

2. The mixture is ignited, producing a flame

3. Organic compounds in the sample are ionized in the flame

4. Ions are collected by the collector electrode

5. The electrometer measures the current produced by the ions

 6. The current is proportional to the concentration of organic compounds

_Advantages:_

1. High sensitivity

2. Fast response time

3. Wide range of detection

4. Low maintenance

5. Can detect multiple organic compounds

_Applications:_

1. Environmental monitoring (air and water quality)

2. Industrial process control

3. Laboratory research

4. Petroleum industry (hydrocarbon analysis)

5. Food and beverage industry (quality control)

_Target compounds:_

1. Hydrocarbons (e.g., methane, propane)

2. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

3. Halogenated compounds (e.g., chloroform)

4. Aromatic compounds (e.g., benzene)

5. Aliphatic compounds (e.g., hexane)

FIDs are widely used in various industries for detecting and measuring organic compounds,
providing accurate and reliable results.
3 )Chemiluminescene analyzer (CLA)

Chemiluminescence analyzers measure the concentration of specific gases or

molecules by detecting the light emitted during a chemical reaction.

_Principle:_

Chemiluminescence is the emission of light as a result of a chemical reaction,

typically between a molecule and an oxidizer.

_Components:_

1. Reaction Chamber

2. Oxidizer Source (e.g., ozone, chlorine)

3. Sample Gas Inlet

4. Photodetector (e.g., photomultiplier tube)

5. Electronics

Working :
1. Sample gas is introduced into the reaction chamber

2. The oxidizer is added, initiating a chemical reaction

3. The reaction emits light, which is detected by the photodetector

4. The electronics process the signal, providing a concentration reading

Advantages:_

1. High sensitivity and selectivity

2. Fast response time

3. Low detection limits

4. Minimal interference from other gases

5. Can detect multiple gases simultaneously

Applications:_

1. Air quality monitoring (NOx, O3, SO2)

2. Industrial process control

3. Environmental monitoring

4. Laboratory research

5. Medical applications (e.g., breath analysis)

Target gases:_

1. Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

2. Ozone (O3)

3. Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

4. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

5. Ammonia (NH3)

Chemiluminescence analyzers offer high accuracy and sensitivity, making them

suitable for various applications where precise gas detection is crucial.
Paramagnetic oxygen analyzer

A Paramagnetic Oxygen Analyzer measures oxygen concentrations by utilizing the

paramagnetic properties of oxygen molecules.

Principle:

Oxygen molecules (O2) are attracted to magnetic fields, causing a slight change in the
magnetic field strength. This effect is proportional to the oxygen concentration.

Components:

1. Magnetic Field Source

2. Oxygen-Permeable Membrane

3. Dumbbell-Shaped Sensor

4. Detector Coil

5. Electronics

Working:

1. The magnetic field source generates a magnetic field.

2. The oxygen-permeable membrane allows oxygen molecules to pass through.

3. The dumbbell-shaped sensor is suspended in the magnetic field.

4. Oxygen molecules are attracted to the magnetic field, causing the sensor to rotate.

5. The rotation changes the inductance of the detector coil.

6. The electronics measure the change in inductance, proportional to oxygen

concentration.

Advantages:

1. High accuracy and precision

2. Fast response time

3. Low maintenance

4. Rugged design

5. Suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure applications

Applications:

1. Industrial process control (e.g., steel, cement)

2. Environmental monitoring (air, water)

3. Medical applications (e.g., oxygen therapy)

4. Aerospace and defense

5. Laboratory research

Note: Paramagnetic oxygen analyzers are commonly used in applications where high
accuracy and reliability are crucial, such as in industrial process control and medical
applications.1
Electronic control unit :

ECU is known as electronic control unit or engine computer.it consist various sensor and
actuator.

Using the sensor ,the ECU obtain the feed back from the engine and regulate the
parameters such as Air fuel mixture distribution in the cylinder ,air fuel ratio ,ignition timing
in case of SI engine ,injection timing in case of CI engine injection duration for CI engine,
idling control& fuel cut off in case of over speeding.

It consist of

1) Input : To receive the signal from the various sensor in the form of electronic signal
as such as voltage
2) Storage: to store information ,condition or signals.
3) Output : After processing it sends signal to actuator or display devices to execute
the decision.