REDUCTION OF NOX EMISSION IN BIODIESEL

ENGINES BY EXHAUST GAS

AFTERTREATMENT METHOD

KUMARAGURU COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

BE - MECHANICAL III YEAR

SHANMUGAM B
99942 64689

VIJAY KUMAR D
99940 19619

shanmugamkct@gmail.com
vijaytriumph@gmail.com

CONTENTS
Topics

Page no.

Abstract

Introduction about biodiesel

Key advantages of biodiesel

Percentage change in emissions for

B20, B100, and diesel

Disadvantages of biodiesel

NO and NOx formation theories

NOx reduction methods

Exhaust gas aftertreatment system

Parts of EGAS

Description

Working of EGAS

Block diagram of EGAS

10

Disadvantages of EGAS

11

Conclusion

11

Reference

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REDUCTION OF NOX EMISSION IN BIODIESEL

ENGINES BY EXHAUST GAS
AFTERTREATMENT METHOD
ABSTRACT:
Depletion of fossil fuels and environment degradation are the two major
reasons for the search of alternative source of fuels. Biodiesel is best suit for present
automobile engine with or without minor changes in the engine. Biodiesel-fuelled
engines produce less carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbon, and particulate
emissions compared to conventional diesel fuel but higher NOx emissions - the
greatest threat to the ozone layer. This behavior is attributed to the higher content of
oxygen in the biodiesel. The theories of formation of NOx have also been discussed.
Recent developments in engine and exhaust aftertreatment technologies have emerged
as effective methods to reduce NOx emissions with a significant emphasis on the use
of Exhaust Gas Aftertreatment System (EGAS). EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
works by recirculating a portion of an engine's exhaust gas back to the engine
cylinders. Intermixing the incoming air with recirculated exhaust gas dilutes the mix
with inert gas, lowering the adiabatic flame temperature and (in diesel engines)
reducing the amount of excess oxygen. The exhaust gas also increases the specific
heat capacity of the mix lowering the peak combustion temperature. Because NOx
formation progresses much faster at high temperatures, EGR serves to limit the
generation of NOx. NOx is primarily formed when a mix of nitrogen and oxygen is
subjected to high temperatures. In order to evaluate if this technique is also valid for
Biodiesel blends, a review is made concerning the effect of EGR on emissions of

diesel engines running with different Biodiesel blends and for different EGR rates.
Data about conventional diesel are also shown for comparison purposes. Similar
results were found in both cases and conclusion can be drawn that NOx emissions
decrease with the increasing of EGR rate. The degree of reduction in NOx at higher
loads is also higher. The reasons for reduction in NOx emissions using EGR in diesel
engines are reduced oxygen concentration and decreased flame temperatures.
KEY WORDS: Biodiesel, formation, emission of NOx, Exhaust Gas Recirculation.
INTRODUCTION
BIODIESEL:
Biodiesel are the fuels made from biological ingredients instead of fossil fuels.
These starting ingredients can range from corn to soybeans to animal fat, depending
on the type of fuel being made and the production method.
According to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the technical definition of
Biodiesel is as follows: A fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty
acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the
requirements of ASTM D 6751.
BIODIESEL HAS SEVERAL KEY ADVANTAGES:
Biodiesel has fewer emission and hence environment friendly
Biodegradable Its a renewable source of energy. It can help reduce
dependency on foreign oil. It helps to lubricate the engine itself, decreasing
engine wear and increases the Engine life. It can be used in almost any diesel

engine with little or no modification. It is non toxic and has higher flash point and
hence safer than conventional Diesel.
PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN EMISSIONS FOR B20, B100, AND DIESEL

Average Biodiesel Emission Compared

to Conventional Diesel
Emission
B100
B20
Component
Total
-67%
-20%
Unburned
Hydrocarbons
Carbon
-48%
-12%
Monoxide
Particulate
-47%
-12%
Matter
NOx
+10%
+2%
Su;phates
-100%
-20%
PAH
-80%
-13%
Source: National Biodiesel Board
DISADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL
Of course, nothing is without penalty, and Biodiesel does have its drawbacks.
Some have to do with the fuel itself, and many have to do with the bigger picture.

Biodiesel behaves as a solvent, which causes clogging in engines. Because of its

ability to loosen deposits built up in the engine, Biodiesel can cause the fuel filter to
become jammed with the newly freed deposits. Also, in some engines, there can be
slight decrease in fuel economy and power. The most important is cost. More
important issue is that of amount and availability. Increase in NOx in Biodiesel
emissions, which contribute to smog formation.
NO AND NOx FORMATION THEORIES
The chemical kinetics of NO and NO2 are presented below. The oxides of
nitrogen formation pathways such as thermal NO and nitrogen dioxide formation are
discussed.
Thermal, or Zeldovich, NO
It was Zeldovich who introduced the NO formation reactions for the first time in
1946. These reactions describe the NO formation in the post flame region and are also
called the thermal NO mechanism given in Reactions 1 and 2.
O + N2

NO + N (1)

N + O2

NO + O (2)

In 1956, Fenimore and Jones proposed a third equation in addition to those of

Zeldovich suggesting that Reaction 3 might be more important than Reaction 2 for
fuel rich reactions. The three equations are now known as the Extended Zeldovich
mechanism
N + OH

NO + H (3)

Temperature is very important for the Zeldovich mechanism because of the high
activation energy requirement of the first reaction and the need for dissociation of O2.
The extended Zeldovich mechanism describes the formation of NO in the post-flame
gases of fuel-lean and slightly fuel-rich mixtures.

2.3.6. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Formation

In flue gas, the concentration of NO2 is generally not more than 5% of the total NOx
concentration.
2 NO +O2

2 NO2 (4)

NO + HO2

NO2 + OH (5)

It has been claimed that Reaction 4 is too slow to be significant at typical NO

concentrations. Reaction 5 is the faster path for NO2 formation. Reaction 5 is
important when HO2 concentration is high between 600 -1000K. At higher
temperatures, HO2 dissociates to atomic H, O2, and OH and leads to destruction of
NO2 by the following reactions. Thermal NO is the dominant mechanism in diesel
combustion
O + NO2

NO + O2 (6)

H + NO2

NO2 + OH (7)

OH + NO2
.

NO + HO2 (8)

The mechanism shows the effect of temperature in the formation NOx.

Higher the temperature more is the NOx formation.

NOX FORMATION CAN BE REDUCED BY:
Enriching the air fuel (A/F) mixture to reduce combustion temperatures.
However, this increases HC and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.
Lowering the compression ratio and retarding ignition timing; but this leads to
reduced performance and fuel economy.
Recirculation of some exhausts.

EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR):

These systems are introduced to reduce an exhaust emission that was not being
cleaned by the other smog controls. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are formed when
temperatures in the combustion chamber get too hot. At 2500 degrees Fahrenheit or
hotter, the nitrogen and oxygen in the combustion chamber can chemically combine to
form nitrous oxides, which, when combined with hydrocarbons (HCs) and the
presence of sunlight, produces an ugly haze in our skies known commonly as smog.
PARTS OF EGR:
EGR Valve
EGR Transfer Pipe(Hot)

EGR Transfer Pipe (Cool)

EGR Cooler

DESCRIPTION
An exhaust control valve is fitted to the exhaust line of the engine. This creates
a back pressure in the line, so a portion of the exhaust enters into the EGR transfer
pipe (Hot). Then it passes through the EGR cooler to reduce the exhaust gas
temperature to a required level. This exhaust then enters the EGR transfer pipe (Cool)
and reaches the EGR control valve. The outlet of this valve is connected to the inlet
manifold of engine. The EGR valve decides the quantity of exhaust mixing with the
fresh air.

WORKING OF EGR SYSTEMS:

The EGR valve recirculates exhaust into the intake stream. Exhaust gases have
already combusted, so they do not burn again when they are recirculated. These gases
displace some of the normal intake charge. This chemically slows and cools the
combustion process by several hundred degrees, thus reducing NOx formation. Hot
exhaust exits the engine through the exhaust manifold. The exhaust then passes
through the EGR valve. While most of the exhaust passes out through the exhaust
system, the EGR valve diverts a measured amount of exhaust into the EGR system.
This dilutes the oxygen used by the engine, which lowers the combustion temperature
and reduces the amount of NOx produced.

The combined exhaust and inlet air enters the engine's cylinders, goes through
the combustion cycle and exits the engine through the exhaust manifold.

BLOCK DIAGRAM OF EGR SYSTEM

High flow is necessary during cruising and mid-range acceleration, when combustion
temperatures are typically very high.
Low flow is needed during low speed and light load conditions.
No flow should occur during conditions when EGR operation could adversely affect
engine operating efficiency or vehicle driveability (engine warm up, idle, etc.)

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By using EGR output power of the engine will reduce due to reduction in oxygen
supply. This may save fuel but however to compensate the reduction in power a
simple turbo charger can be used.

DISADVANTAGES OF EGR
Due to mixture of exhaust gas with the fresh air in the inlet, there will be
lesser amount of oxygen which directly results in reduction of output power.
But this loss in output power can be overcome by using a simple turbocharger.
CONCLUSION
By using exhaust gas recirculation system which is the exhaust gas
aftertreatment method, the emissions of oxides of nitrogen can be reduced
considerably. This method results in decreased NOx emissions and there will also be
reduction in the output power of the automobile due to lesser supply of fresh air. By
this method one of the harmful emission by the biodiesel is reduced and making
biodiesel more eco-friendly.

Reference:
1) Production of Biodiesels from Multiple Feedstock and Properties of Biodiesels and Biodiesel/Diesel
Blends, Final Report Report 1 in a series of 6, March 2003 NREL/SR-510-31460 by J.A. Kinast Gas
Technology Institute Des Plaines, Illinois
2) NOx Solutions for Biodiesel Final Report, Report 6 in a series of 6, NREL/SR-510-31465 , February
2003 by R.L. McCormick, J.R. Alvarez, and M.S. Graboski Colorado Institute for Fuels and Engine
Research Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado

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3). 38296NOx Emissions Reduction in a Biodiesel Engine by Means of EGR Technology

SAE 2007-01-0078 Author(s): Eliseu Magalhes, Monteiro - Tecaprod S.A.
4) Combined Impact of Biodiesel and Exhaust Gas Recirculation on NOx Emissions
Citation: Paper
number
066136, 2006
ASAE
Annual
Meeting. @2006
Authors: Seth J. Wenzel, Alan C. Hansen, Wenqiao Yuan
5) Understanding Exhaust Gas Recirculation Systems by Henry Guzman, www.autoinc.com
6) Investigation of oxides of nitrogen emissions from biodiesel-fueled engines by Mustafa Ertunc Tat,
Jon H. Van Gerpen, Howard N. Shapiro, Ron M. Nelson, Brent H. Shanks, Steven J. Hoff, Iowa State
University Ames, Iowa 2003
7) Effects of Biodiesel on NOx Emissions, by Bob McCormick National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Golden, Colorado ARB Biodiesel Workgroup, June 8, 2005NREL/PR-540

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