project suggestions

[JHZR2]

Hi,

I have the opportunity to do an independent study project which counts towards my Master's degree in Chemical Engineering. The area would have to be on diesel emissions control. The main studies seem to be particularly focused on heavy duty diesel engines and school buses.

One of the ideas I was thinking of maybe some sort of study on EGR engines, actual emissions reduction, and effects due to reduction in power (which I read about so much here )

Any suggestions? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks

JMH

[rwthomas1]

I would like to see a study on reduction in pollutants with various fuels/blends such as B100, B20, USLD, etc. to see how clean a diesel engine could be made to run using existing engine technology and manipulating the chemistry of the fuels. Just a thought. RT

[Pete Burton]

I agree with rwthomas - a lot can be done with blending, try to include biodiesel as an option, as this has political implications etc. that could subsidize the differential in expense. Also, how about varying the blend somewhat using a lighter blend when cold and a cleaner blend after warmup?

I would like to know more about the particulate exhaust emissions that fall to the ground and their long term effect.

Also, if you pursue the EGR thing, make sure you look at the effects in a high mileage worn engine. If it cleans up the engine when new, does it put out so much emissions when it is tired that it put out much more volume of bad pollutants that make up for the clean air it saved when new. This is a PRACTICAL look at emissions controls.

Have a great day,