Motor Vehicle Pollution Control

Serious research in catalytic reduction of automotive exhaust was begun in 1949 by Eugene Houdry, who developed mufflers for fork lift trucks used in confined spaces such as mines and warehouses (18). One of the supports used was the monolith—porcelain rods covered with films of alumina, on which platinum was deposited. California enacted laws in 1959 and 1960 on air quality and motor vehicle emission standards, which would be operative when at least two devices were developed that could meet the requirements. This gave the impetus for a greater effort in automotive catalysis research (19). Catalyst developments and fleet tests involved the partnership of catalyst manufacturers and muffler manufacturers. Three of these teams were certified by the California Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board in 1964-65 American Cyanamid and Walker, W. R. Grace and Norris-Thermador, and Universal Oil Products and Arvin. At the same time, Detroit announced that engine modifications by lean carburation and secondary air injection enabled them to meet the California standard without the use of catalysts. This then delayed the use of catalysts in automobiles. 

Research dating back to the mid 1950 s has shown that volatile orgamc compounds (VOC s) photochemically react m the atmosphere and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, a precursor to smog [1]. Medical studies have shown that human exposure to ozone can result in eye and smus tract irritation, and can lead to respiratory related illnesses [2]. Due to the unique and severe smog problems that affected many cities in the state of California, studies of the causes of ah pollution were initiated m the 1950 s [3]. Based on its findings, California formed the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board m 1960 to regulate pollution from automobiles. 

The Mulford-Carrell Act of 1967 dissolved the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board in California and created the Air Resources Board that was provided with broad powers and authority and with the ultimate responsibility of controlling air pollution in California. The California Air Resources Board divided the State into eleven air basins, areas with similar meteorological, topographical, and air pollution problems. Ambient-air quality standards were adopted which apply to all of these basins. The enforcing of these standards is still primarily a function of local go /emment, but emission control programs of local agencies have to be s ibmitted to and approved by the State Board. 

Global trends in motor vehicle pollution control a 1997 update... 

Four trends continue to drive the global market for motor vehicle pollution control equipment ... 

One result is that air pollution is an increasingly common phenomena necessitating aggressive motor vehicle pollution control efforts. The purpose of this report is to survey what is presently known about transportation related air pollution problems, to summarize the adverse impacts which result, to review actions underway or planned to address these problems, and to estimate future trends. Based on these trends, this study wilt assess the large and growing vehicle pollution control market, expecially with regard to exhaust after treatment systems. 

Motor vehicles—Pollution control devices—Congresses. 2. Catalysts—Congresses. 

After these standards were established, along with an appropriate test procedure, the California Legislature created a Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board (MVPCB) and gave it the responsibility to issue certification to control devices meeting certain criteria of performance, durability, cost and ease of inspection. It also provided that, one year after certification of two or more devices, all new vehicles to be registered in the state would have to be equipped with such devices. 

Formerly Director of the U.S. Environmental Agency s Office of Mobile Source Air Pollution Control, currently an environmental consultant in the motor vehicle pollution field.Address 2800 N Dinwiddie Street, Arlington, Virginia 22207, U.S. A. 

Smoke limits similar to those described above in the United States and Japan have been in effect in Europe for many years. However, recognizing that these requirements are not adequate, during its 1985 deliberations regarding motor vehicle pollution issues, the European Community Environmental Ministers asked the Commission to develop a proposal to control diesel particulate emissions. 

Chiron M. (1987) Effects of motor vehicle pollutants on health , in A. Crucq and A. Frennet (eds). Catalyst and automotive pollution control. Studies in surface science and catalysis, 30, Elsevier Sciences Publishers, Amsterdam. 

Gasoline-powered motor vehicles outnumber all other mobile sources combined in the number of vehicles, the amount of energy consumed, and the mass of air pollutants emitted. It is not surprising that they have received the greatest share of attention regarding emission standards and air pollution control systems. Table 25-2 shows the U.S. federal emission control requirements for gasoline-powered passenger vehicles. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Final Rule, Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles and New Motor Vehicle Engines Refueling Emission Regulations for... 

Catalytic Converter an air pollution abatement device that removes pollutants from motor vehicle exhaust either by oxidizing them into carbon dioxide and water or reducing them to nitrogen. A typical catalytic oxidizer for auto emission control is illustrated in the sidebar figure. 

One of the most significant Indices of air pollution potential Is provided by statistics on motor vehicle use. On a global scale the number of vehicles continues to rise although the rate of growth has slowed In North America and Europe as a whole, where vehicle densities are the highest In the world. Since 1979, the most rapid growth has occurred In Asia and South America where vehicle ownership has more than doubled (11). In the developing countries, as well as many others, these vehicles are not equipped with emission control devices. 

Air pollution from exhaust emissions NO t and particulate matter from exhaust emissions causing air pollution are -1% at present. By adoption of better combustion control technology, better quality fuels (or even fuel cell-based motor vehicles), and more efficient catalytic converters, researchers aim to mitigate this problem. 

EPA-Diesel RIA, Regulatory Impact Analysis—Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles Tier 2 Motor Vehicle Emissions Standards and Gasoline Sulfur Control Requirements United States Environmental Protection Agency, Air and Radiation EPA420-R, 99-023. 1999. December. 

Barth, D. S. Federal motor vehicle emission goals for CO, HC, and NOx based on desired air quality levels. J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc. 20 519-523, 1970. 

Hamming, W. J., R. L. Chass, J. E. Dickinson, and W. G. MacBeth. Motor Vehicle Control and Air Quality The Path to Clean Air for Los Angeles. Paper 73-73 Presented at the 66th Annual Meeting of the Air Pollution Control Association, Chicago, Illinois, June 24-28, 1973. 19 pp. 

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