Formaldehyde Formation in Large Bore Engines Part 2: Factors Affecting Measured CH2O

Abstract

Current research shows that the only hazardous air pollutant of significance emitted from large bore natural gas engines is formaldehyde (CH2O). A literature review on formaldehyde formation is presented focusing on the interpretation of published test data and its applicability to large bore natural gas engines. The relationship of formaldehyde emissions to that of other pollutants is described. Formaldehyde is seen to have a strong correlation to total hydrocarbon (THC) level in the exhaust. It is observed that the ratio of formaldehyde to THC concentration is roughly 1.0–2.5 percent for a very wide range of large bore engines and operating conditions. The impact of engine operating parameters, load, rpm, spark timing, and equivalence ratio, on formaldehyde emissions is also evaluated. [S0742-4795(00)01004-8]