Evaluation of hectorites, synthesized in different conditions, as soot combustion catalysts after impregnation with copper

Two microporous hectorites were prepared by conventional and microwave heating, and a delaminated mesoporous hectorite by an ultrasound-assisted synthesis. These three hectorites were impregnated with copper. The characterization techniques used were XRD, N2 adsorption, TEM and H2 reduction after selective surface copper oxidation by N2O (to determine copper dispersion). The catalytic activity for soot combustion of the copper-free and the copper-containing hectorites was tested under a gas mixture of 500 ppm NOx/5% O2/N2 (and 5% O2/N2 in some cases), evaluating their stability through three consecutive soot combustion experiments. The delaminated hectorite showed the highest surface area (353 m2/g) allowing the highest dispersion of copper. This copper-containing catalyst was the most active for soot combustion among those prepared and tested in this study. We have also concluded that the Cu/hectorite-catalyzed soot combustion mechanism is based on the activation of the O2 molecule and not on the NO2-assisted soot combustion.

Potential of Cu–saponite catalysts for soot combustion

H– and Na–saponite supports have been prepared by several synthesis approaches. 5% Cu/saponite catalysts have been prepared and tested for soot combustion in a NOx + O2 + N2 gas flow and with soot and catalyst mixed in loose contact mode. XRD, FT-IR, N2 adsorption and TEM characterization results revealed that the use of either surfactant or microwaves during the synthesis led to delamination of the saponite support, yielding high surface area and small crystallite size materials. The degree of delamination affected further copper oxide dispersion and soot combustion capacity of the Cu/saponite catalysts. All Cu/saponite catalysts were active for soot combustion, and the NO2-assisted mechanism seemed to prevail. The best activity was achieved with copper oxide supported on a Na–saponite prepared at pH 13 and with surfactant. This best activity was attributed to the efficient copper oxide dispersion on the high surface area delaminated saponite (603 m2 g−1) and to the presence of Na. Copper oxide reduction in H2-TPR experiments occurred at lower temperature for the Na-containing catalysts than for the H-containing counterparts, and all Cu/Na–saponite catalysts were more active for soot combustion than the corresponding Cu/H–saponite catalysts.

Benefici del long route EGR sulla riduzione dei consumi: studio di fattibilità su motore diesel automobilistico

L'EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) è una tecnica comunemente sfruttata per la riduzione delle emissioni. In questo studio sono stati investigati i benefici, in termini di fuel economy, prodotti dall'aggiunta di un circuito EGR long route su un motore diesel per applicazioni automobilistiche dotato di sistema short route. L'indagine è stata svolta su di un modello motore su software GT-Power, adeguatamente calibrato e validato sui dati da piano quotato. Simulazioni sono state svolte al fine di valutare gli effetti del solo LP-EGR sul motore, per poi considerare un funzionamento combinato dai due sistemi di ricircolo (dual loop). Le maggiori portate che per il sistema long route interessano la turbina determinano un incremento nelle contropressioni. Ciò ha portato a considerare la possibilità di modificare il sistema turbo. Il layout originario comprendeva una turbina a geometria fissa (FGT), a cui ne sono stati affiancati due ulteriori con turbina a geometria variabile (VGT). I risultati sono stati analizzati vincolando la produzione di inquinanti ai valori registrati nei punti di calibrazione relativi al layout originale del motore. Effettivo risparmio di combustibile non è stato riscontrato nell'allestimento con turbina FGT a causa delle elevate contropressioni, mentre con turbine VGT è stata registrata una effettiva fuel economy grazie al sistema LP-EGR senza alcun deterioramento nelle emissioni di NOx e PM. I benefici riscontrati con il LP-EGR sono da attribure ad un incremento del rendimento indicato dovuto alla riduzione delle perdite per scambio termico a seguito di una minore temperatura caratterizzante i gas ricircolati.

Development of a procedure for the structural evaluation of superheavy load routes.

Texas Department of Transportation, Austin

NDT/road correlation. Summary report. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

NDT/road correlation. Technical report. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Determination of the tire quality from non destructive inspection. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

Correlation between ultrasonic nondestructive inspection and wheel test of 34 retreaded tires. Interim report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

Grammatisch-kritisches Wörterbuches der Hochdeutschen Mundart, mit beständiger Vergleichung der übrigen Mundarten, besonders aber der Oberdeutschen, /

Title vignettes; head and tail pieces.

Passenger tire use survey. Consolidated report.

National Bureau of Standards, Office of Vehicle Systems Research, Washington, D.C.

Tire use survey; interim report based upon summer observations.

National Bureau of Standards, Office of Vehicle Systems Research, Washington, D.C.

Research report on the physical condition of passenger vehicle tires in highway use. Final report.

National Bureau of Standards, Office of Vehicle Systems Research, Washington, D.C.

Door locking systems study. Phase 1. Final report.

National Highway Safety Bureau, Washington, D.C.

A procedure for determining ambient tire pressures from field measurements.

National Bureau of Standards, Office of Vehicle Systems Research, Washington, D.C.