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The effect of MMT on the OBD-II catalyst efficiency monitor has been investigated. The results conclusively show that manganese which is deposited onto the catalyst during the combustion of MMT- containing fuel provides for an increased level of catalyst oxygen storage capacity. This added oxygen storage was found to result in a reduced rear EGO sensor response and caused malfunctioning catalysts to be incorrectly diagnosed by the OBD-II catalyst efficiency monitor.

This paper describes a study which was carried out to assess the potential for using a gasoline burner to heat the catalytic convertor during cold start. The results showed the catalyst/burner concept to be a promising LEV/ULEV capable technology. On a 1993 Ford Grand Marquis equipped with a catalyst burner system, catalyst light-off was achieved in less than 15 seconds while cold start HC emissions during the first 60 seconds of the FTP test were reduced by 60%. In addition, data are presented which compare the performance of the catalyst/burner to an electrically heated catalyst. In the tests performed, the catalyst/burner system out performed the EHC. Practical considerations, however, such as safety, durability, system integration, and packaging still need to be addressed.

The pulse flame combustor was adapted by researchers at Ford Motor Company in the early 1970s in order to produce exhaust gas simulating the combustion products of the internal combustion engine for the evaluation of automotive catalysts. Over the years, the pulse flame combustor has found application in a wide variety of research oriented tasks associated with automotive catalysts and emissions. More recent research and development efforts which have resulted due to elevated demands toward lower vehicle emission levels have prompted continuing refinements of the apparatus and effected innovative approaches to the study of emerging automotive catalyst and emission control issues with the pulse flame combustor. This report provides an overview of the operation and design evolution of the pulse flame combustor. In addition, recent applications of this laboratory device for studying automotive catalysts, alternative fuels, and other automotive emission control topics are reviewed.