Thermal reactor/catalytic converter efficiency determination method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for determining the overall efficiency of an automotive exhaust system including a catalytic converter for removing unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide from the exhaust gases. The carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and oxygen levels are monitored in the exhaust gases at the tailpipe. In a properly tuned engine, the base oxygen level is ascertained in order to establish the dilution effect of the air injection system on the exhaust gases which dictates the proper working curve on a disclosed Conversion Efficiency v. Carbon Monoxide at Tailpipe graph to be used in the procedure. A source of extra hydrocarbon is injected into the carburetor air intake to enrich the fuel mixture to the engine without affecting the basic carburetor settings. The engine and converter are thus overfueled thereby oxygen starving the converter to minimize any catalytic action. The carbon monoxide level is then read. The dilution factor corrected efficiency of the converter is then read from the graph as established by the working curve employed in light of the carbon monoxide level ascertained. In addition, methods are dislosed for testing the air injection system and the carburetor side to side balance to establish the proper working of the engine components before attempting the efficiency test procedure.