| The main objective of this research was to observe if the addition of the fuel additive EthosRTM Fuel Reformulator significantly reduced the emissions of CO, CO2, HC and NOx from a light duty vehicle. The research was conducted by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington as part of North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Aftermarket Technology and Fuel Additive Research Program. EthosRTM fuel reformulator is non-toxic, non-hazardous and free from carcinogens. EthosRTM is not a derivative of petroleum, it utilizes cleaning and lubricating synthetic esters suspended in a mineral oil base.; The research was carried out on a light duty gasoline vehicle, a 2000 Chevrolet Astro van, a Horiba On Board system OBS-1300 analyzed second by second concentrations of CO, CO2, and HC and NOx as the van traveled on-road. The fuel tank had to be completely drained for the EthosRTM to be added. 5 oz. of EthosRTM FR per 10 gallons of fuel and 1 oz. of EthosRTM FR per quart of oil (per oil change) were added for the first two fuel tanks, later 1 oz. of EthosRTM FR per 10 gallons of fuel was added.; The data collection was carried out before and after the application of EthosRTM FR. The data was collected driving in peak and off-peak traffic conditions, on highway and arterial test track. The data analysis was conducted and the following results were observed. (1) There was a significant reduction in NOx emission concentrations with application of EthosRTM in all modes (acceleration, deceleration, cruise and idle), the maximum reduction being 45% in the Idling mode for the arterial test track. (2) A reduction in CO and CO2 concentrations was observed in most of the modes; however, there was a slight increase in CO and CO2 emissions for the highway test track. (3) An increase in the emissions of HC was observed in all the modes except on the highway test track during peak conditions. |
