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Two additive blends proposed for improving the flame luminosity in neat methanol fuel were investigated to determine the effect of these additives on the exhaust emissions in a dual-fueled Volkswagen Jetta. The two blends contained 4 percent toluene plus 2 percent indan in methanol and 5 percent cyclopentene plus 5 percent indan in methanol. Each blend was tested for regulated and unregulated emissions as well as a speciation of the exhaust hydrocarbons resulting from use of each fuel. The vehicle exhaust emissions from these two fuel blends were compared to the Coordinating Research Council Auto-Oil national average gasoline (RF-A), M100, and M85 blended from RF-A. Carter Maximum Incremental Reactivity Factors were applied to the speciated hydrocarbon emission results to determine the potential ozone formation for each fuel. Toxic emissions as defined in the 1990 Clean Air Act were also compared for each fuel.

As part of a study to analyze used catalysts, radiographs (x-rays) were taken of a number of used catalysts. Originally the radiographs were taken to aid in the disassembly of the catalysts. It was later found that the radiographs could be used to determine the amount of lead contained in the catalyst. The technique used to determine lead content is discussed and examples presented. Possible future uses of this technique in both research and after-market used catalyst screening are also discussed.