General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Automobile Laboratory

Introduction to Vehicle Emission and

Exhaust Gas Analyzer

Instructor : Mr. PRA Dissanayake Group: MC 01

Group Members:
Name : LLD Perera OBH Thanthreege
Index : D/ENG/21/0025/MC DV Lokuranamuka
Intake : 38 IRG Wijeratne
Stream : Mechatronics WLS Wickramaarachchi
AIM
To Study vehicle emissions and be familiarized with exhaust gas analyzer.

OBJECTIVES
• Learning to read an emission report and explain it.
• Identify the emitting gases and their accepted ranges.
• Understand the exhaust gas analyzing procedure.

APPARATUS

NHA-500 Auto Emission Analyzer

THEORY

• Theoretical combustion of fuel

Theoretical combustion refers to an ideal scenario where a fuel burns completely with the
precise amount of oxygen required. This results in only expected products like carbon dioxide
and water. While it serves as a useful reference, actual combustion is often incomplete, leading
to the formation of byproducts such as carbon monoxide.

• Excess air coefficient

The excess air coefficient represents the ratio of the actual air supplied in combustion to the
amount theoretically needed for complete combustion.

λ > 1: More air than necessary is supplied.

λ = 1: The combustion process is perfectly balanced (stoichiometric combustion).
λ < 1: Insufficient air is present, leading to incomplete combustion.
The air-fuel ratio is the proportion of air mass to fuel mass in a combustion mixture. This ratio
plays a key role in combustion efficiency, emissions, and the overall performance of internal
combustion engines.
PROCEDURE

1. An open environment was selected to conduct the experiment.

2. All the probs were connected and opened all the exhaust gas analyzers.
3. The apparatus was switched on and it was left for 10 minutes for calibration.
4. Initiated the zero function to add reference level of gases.
5. Exhaust gas analyzer prob was inserted into the silencer.
6. RPM detector was clipped into the high-tension voltage wire of the spark plug.
7. The temperature sensor was inserted into the oil dip hole.
8. The exhaust emission test was conducted for idle RPM and higher RPM.
9. The “K” key was used to initiate the test, and after allowing settling time, the screen
was locked using “S” key.
10. Finally, data was printed using the “K” key, as per the provided menu.

OBSERVATION SHEET

Idlling Test
HC : 0110 CO : 00.99
Nox : 0008 CO2 : 03.43
RPM : 1082 O2 : 16.65
Lambda : 4.040 T : 31C

Higher RPM Testing

HC : 0146 CO : 00.14
Nox : 0094 CO2 : 08.54
RPM : 020 O2 : 06.79
Lambda : 1.53 T : 31C
DISCUSSION

1. Failed Report 01

Gas Measured value Limit

CO 2.5% 0.5%
HC 500rpm 100rpm
Nox 500rpm 800rpm
O2 1% -
Lambda 0.9 0.97-1.03

High CO and HC: This strongly suggests incomplete combustion. The Lambda value of 0.9
indicates a rich mixture (too much fuel, not enough air).

Possible Causes:
• Faulty fuel injectors: Leaking or delivering too much fuel.
• Air intake restrictions: Dirty air filter, blocked intake.
• Ignition system problems: Weak spark plugs, faulty ignition coil.
• Exhaust system leaks: Before the oxygen sensor, affecting readings.

Remedies:
• Inspect and clean or replace fuel injectors.
• Replace the air filter and check for intake obstructions.
• Check and replace spark plugs, ignition coils, and wiring.
• Repair any exhaust leaks.

2. Failed Report 02

Gas Measured value Limit

CO 0.1% 0.5%
HC 50rpm 100ppm
Nox 1500rpm 800ppm
O2 3% -
Lambda 1.1 0.97-1.03

High NOx: This indicates high combustion temperatures. The Lambda value of 1.1 suggests a
lean mixture (too much air).
Possible Causes:
• Lean fuel mixture: Faulty oxygen sensor, air intake leaks, fuel pump issues.
• EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system failure: This system reduces NOx by recirculating
exhaust gases to lower combustion temperatures.
• Catalytic converter malfunction: Though primarily for CO and HC, a failing converter can
indirectly affect NOx.

Remedies:
• Check and replace oxygen sensors.
• Inspect for air intake leaks.
• Check fuel pump pressure and delivery.
• Inspect and repair or replace EGR valve and system components.
• Test and replace catalytic converter if necessary.

3. Failed Report 03

Gas Measured Value Limit

CO 0.3% 0.5%
HC 70ppm 100ppm
Nox 600ppm 800ppm
O2 0.5% -
Lambda 0.85 0.97-1.03

Lambda Out of Range: A Lambda value of 0.85 is significantly rich. While CO and HC aren't
excessively high, the incorrect Lambda indicates a fundamental issue with the fuel air mixture
control.

Possible Causes:
• Faulty oxygen sensor: Providing incorrect feedback to the engine control unit (ECU).
• ECU malfunction: Incorrectly interpreting sensor data or controlling actuators.
• Fuel pressure regulator failure: Resulting in excessive fuel pressure.

Remedies:
• Test and replace oxygen sensor.
• Diagnose and repair or replace ECU.
• Check and replace fuel pressure regulator.
CONCLUSION
1. Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter is an essential component of a vehicle’s exhaust system designed to
reduce harmful emissions. It uses a catalyst, typically made of platinum, palladium, and
rhodium, to facilitate chemical reactions that convert toxic gases like carbon monoxide (CO),
nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) into less harmful substances such as
carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂), and water (H₂O). Installed between the engine and the
exhaust pipe, it plays a crucial role in meeting environmental regulations and reducing air
pollution. Catalytic converters are widely used in gasoline and diesel engines to ensure cleaner
and more efficient emissions control [1].

2. Exhaust Gas Reduction

Reducing combustion temperatures is essential for minimizing the formation of nitrogen oxides
(NOₓ), a major contributor to smog and air pollution. One effective method to achieve this is
Exhaust Gas Recirculation, a system that redirects a portion of the exhaust gases back into the
engine’s intake manifold. The EGR system is widely used in modern internal combustion
engines to enhance emissions control and reduce environmental impact [2].
 3. Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) is an emission control system that prevents harmful
gases from accumulating in an engine’s crankcase. It redirects unburned fuel vapors and blow-
by gases—produced during combustion—back into the intake manifold, where they are burned
instead of being released into the atmosphere. This process improves engine efficiency, reduces
emissions, and prevents sludge buildup inside the engine. The PCV valve regulates this flow,
ensuring optimal performance while maintaining environmental compliance in modern internal
combustion engines [3].

4. Evaporative emission control system (EVAP)

The Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the
atmosphere, reducing air pollution. It captures vapors from the fuel tank and stores them in a
charcoal canister. When the engine runs, these vapors are directed into the intake manifold for
combustion. The EVAP system includes valves, sensors, and hoses to regulate vapor flow,
ensuring compliance with emission standards and improving environmental safety [4].
REFERENCES
[1] “Why Catalytic Converters Get Dirty And Maintenance Tips,” My Blog, Jun. 20, 2024.
https://www.carboncleaningmachine.com/cleaning-catalytic-converter (accessed Jan. 07,
2025).
[2] V. S. Samarins.com, “How Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
works,” www.samarins.com, Oct. 03, 2019. https://www.samarins.com/glossary/egr-
system.html
[3] “Positive crankcase ventilation,” Display your passion!, 2025.
https://www.streetrod101.com/positive-crankcase-ventilation-pcv-system.html (accessed Jan.
07, 2025).
[4] “The EVAP Evaporative Emission Control system,” ELECTRONIC REPAIR, 2023.
https://www.electronicrepairegypt.com/auto-tuning-blog/the-evap-evaporative-emission-
control-system (accessed Jan. 07, 2025).