Compression-ignition (i.e. diesel) engines are often fitted with two-way catalytic converters. These are commonly referred to as diesel oxidation catalytic converters or DOCs.
DOCs are now widely used on cars, trucks and off-highway engines. They are very effective at reducing emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and at the same time virtually eliminating the characteristic diesel aroma. Their popularity is as a result of several beneficial characteristics, including:
- low cost
- tolerance of a range of operating conditions
- low maintenance requirements
Required operating conditions
Minimum exhaust gas temperature: 250 Centigrade (480 Fahrenheit)
Maximum exhaust gas temperature: 500 Centigrade (930 Fahrenheit)
Low sulphur fuel (maximum recommend sulphur content = 50 ppm)
Diesel oxidation catalytic converters are available from Blackthorn in three different forms, as shown on the menu.
Typical effectiveness of a diesel oxidation catalytic converter
| Conversion efficiency % | ||||
| Carbon monoxide | Hydrocarbons | Oxides of nitrogen | Particulate matter (SOF) | Particulate matter (EC) |
| 90 | 75 | 5 | 75 | 0 |
Notes
Conversion efficiency refers to volume (gases and vapours) or mass (particulates)
‘SOF’ stands for soluble organic fraction
‘EC’ stands for elemental carbon
