ON BOARD OXYGEN GENERATING MEMBRANES FOR REDUCED START-UP EMISSIONS

Automobile three-way catalyst (TWC) are quite efficient at steady state operatingtemperature typically destroying 98% of incoming hydrocarbons (HCs) and carbonmonoxide (CO). However, up to 80% of emissions occur during the first fewminutes of Federal Test Procedure when the engine is running rich, the engine iscold and TWC has not reached light-off temperature. To significantly reduce HCsand CO emissions, methods to reduce start-up emissions must be found. Studiesshow oxygen enriched air (OEA) to engines significantly reduce HC and COemissions and leads to quicker heat-up of TWC. The studies also NOx levels canbe kept low. To date no compact means of supplying OEA has been identified.Compact Membrane Systems, Inc.'s high oxygen permeability membranes will supplycompact OEA systems to reduce start-up emissions. Their membrane system will be30 times smaller than existing products and a 0.13 cubic foot module will supply2000 cubic feet per hour of 26% OEA. Phase I will focus on building a prototypemodule for actual engine testing while Phase II will optimize both membrane andengine performance and evaluate long term testing.