Work study catalytic converter during starting a cold engine

The paper presents an analysis of the problems associated with the catalytic reduction of emissions in a diesel engine in cold start. The tests were performed at the station in the climate chamber at lowered ambient temperatures: -7, -15 and -20oC. A heated three-function platinum-palladium catalytic reactor with a metal monolith was used in the tests. The test methodology included a measurement of toxic fume concentraction upstream and downstream the catalytic reactor at simultaneous measurement of the start-up parameters and measurement of temperatures in selected engine and catalytic reactor locations. A period of the cold engine start-up is characterized by a relatively high carbon oxide and hydrocarbon emission. The level of that emissions increases, as the ambient temperature gets lower. As a result of the tests the influence of heating up the reactor on its operation during the self-ignition engine start-up was identified.Carbon oxide and hydrocarbon emission during the start-up period can be reduced by initial heating up the catalytic reactor before the start-up by means of an electric heater. When heating up the reactor surface up to 400oC at ambient temperature of -7oC, CO concentration can be reduced by 80...90% and the hydrocarbon concentration can be reduced by app. 70% on the average.