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Methodology for, and experience in, a measurement of oxygenates in auto exhaust gas

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7315374

The pollutants in auto exhaust gas that now are subject to control include only unburned hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NO/sub x/). Many other classes of compounds are generated in the combustion process but, typically, most are present only in minute quantity compared with the quantities of those cited above. However under some circumstances, a class of partly-burned hydrocarbon called oxygenates can be produced in quantity that might be significant. This class of compound is photochemically reactive and could, if present in sufficient quantity, account for an appreciable fraction of the smog-potential of exhaust. Moreover, some of the oxygenates in addition to smog-forming agents are themselves malodorous and act directly as irritants to eyes and to the respiratory system. Unfortunately the oxygenates are difficult to measure. Recognizing a possible need for an improved anaytical method, members of the Coordinating Reactor Council (CRC) several years ago initiated contract work with the Bureau of Mines on this problem. A report is given of findings both in development of an analytical procedure and in subsequent experimental measurement of the oxygenates in exhaust.

Research Organization:
Bureau of Mines, Bartlesville, OK (USA). Bartlesville Energy Research Center
OSTI ID:
7315374
Report Number(s):
CONF-730384-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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