Near-Infrared Spectropolarimetry for On-Line Measurement of Polymer Rheology

65445 Consumption of diesel fuel and gasoline have led to significant dependence on foreign fuel as well as increased carbon dioxide emissions with the associated concern for global warming. Diesel engines are much more fuel efficient than spark/gasoline engines, but unfortunately diesel engines produce high NOx emissions. This has been addressed by a process known as exhaust gas recycle (EGR), which lowers NOx emissions by 50%; however, it also reduces engine life and puts significant stress on the cooling system. This project will utilize high productivity membranes in a combination with modest engine design changes to produce nitrogen-enriched air (cold/clean ERG) with overall NOx emissions reduced by 85% and little change in other emissions. The productivity from these membranes is sufficiently high to allow systems to be placed under the hoods of trucks. In Phase I, membranes will be prepared and evaluated off-line to demonstrate the target levels of nitrogen-enriched air. Engine modifications will be introduced and evaluated under various operating conditions using bottled nitrogen-enriched air to show 95% NOx reduction. The membrane and engine results will be integrated to show feasibility for commercial use with minimal loss in fuel efficiency. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The initial commercial focus will be for heavy duty diesel trucks that can meet the EPA regulation of 80-90% NOx reductions. Passenger vehicles should be a second tier opportunity; the U.S. Government and the DOE have targeted the production of 80 mpg vehicles under the PNGV (Partnership for Next-Generation Vehicles), and diesel engines are leading candidates