Compact Chemical Scrubbing System for Internal Combustion Engine

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of this project was to find a way to clean combustion engine emissions. Research indicated that the most efficient way to take the harmful pollutants out of the exhaust gasses was to react them with a solution of aqueous ammonia. Methods/Materials Water, aqueous ammonia, and heated aqueous ammonia were used as the solutions to be tested. For each test, the solution was contained in a device made from PVC, which was placed in the exhaust pipe of a leaf-blower engine. In each of the experiments, the engine bubbled exhaust gasses through solution, which was tested before and after to determine its pH, conductivity, and temperature. Three of these tests were conducted using each solution. Results The test results showed a drop in alkalinity of the solution to more neutral pH levels, and a decrease in electrical conductivity. Conclusions/Discussion This information, supported by further research, was evidence that the exhaust gasses dissolved in the aqueous ammonia, and that the resultant ions reacted to form new, more harmless products. This proved the hypothesis that an aqueous ammonia solution would be an efficient way to filter out the harmful components of combustion engine emissions.

Competition history

• CSEF 2006 Chemistry · Entry S0507

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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