Prototype Nickel-Tin Catalytic Converter

Public utility jeepneys (PUJ) contribute largely to air pollution giving adverse effect in the environment. The PUJ engine exhaust is composed of toxic and hazardous gases like carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC), to name a few. As PUJ engine ages, the concentration of gases likewise increases. The concentration of gases in the engine exhaust also increases due to incomplete combustion.

As a result, large volumes of toxic and hazardous gases emitted in the atmosphere can possibly affect health, the quality of life, and the natural functioning of ecosystems. This study aims to design, fabricate and evaluate the efficiency of a Prototype Nickel-Tin (Tn-Sn) Catalytic Converter. The Ni-Sn serves as the catalyst in the chemical reaction of 2CO + O2= 2CO2; and 2C6H6 + 3O2 = 12C + 6H2O in the converter. Its efficiency is evaluated through the reduction of CO concentration (%) and HC concentration (ppm) after the engine exhaust passed through the catalytic converter and analyzed using the NDIR gas analyzer. Findings revealed that the Ni-Sn catalytic converter reduced 65.14% and 49.65% of CO and HC concentration emission, respectively. This implies that Ni-Sn served as an effective catalyst during oxidation-reduction process occurring in the converter. Therefore, the Prototype Ni-Sn Catalytic Converter can be utilized to efficiently reduce CO and HC concentration emissions in the atmosphere. This is a new device that can possibly be commercialized for use and possible mandatory installation in PUJs. This could be done in the future to reduce toxic and hazardous gases emitted in the environment.

Materials & Equipment




Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.

Researchers:
Jan Kirby E. Cabasag

Adviser:
Susan C. Unde
Iligan City East High School