MANN+HUMMEL Featuring Emissions Control Systems at SAE World Congress

3 April 2006

At this week’s SAE World Congress in Detroit, MANN+HUMMEL is featuring a number of emissions-control systems for gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. These include systems for hydrocarbon adsorption, urea filtration, and a secondary air charger for enhanced catalytic system performance.

The company’s hydrocarbon absorption technology is a solution for meeting California Air Resources Board (CARB) PZEV requirements for California and the other states that have adopted the California regulations. One of the key requirements of a PZEV-rated vehicle is virtually zero evaporative emissions.

The MANN+HUMMEL solution consists of hydrocarbon adsorptive media permanently installed in the vehicle’s air intake system—usually in the air cleaner assembly. The media traps all hydrocarbon fumes emanating from the intake system after engine shutdown and holds them until the engine is re-started, at which time the fumes are released into the incoming air stream and burned in the combustion process.

MANN+HUMMEL’s HC-trap can be integrated into the air cleaner system in either a full-flow or bypass version for greater packaging flexibility.

MANN+HUMMEL has also developed a urea filtration module that integrates the functions of filtration, heating, and temperature- and pressure-regulation sensors, all integral components for the urea injection systems used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).

A third technology, the Secondary Air Charger introduces fresh air into the exhaust system to improve the oxidation of NMHC and CO and reduces the time to heat up the catalyst.

The Secondary Air Charger (SAC), which consists of a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel, is integrated into the air-induction system of the engine. The turbine, driven by the pressure difference at the throttle body, powers the compressor. The compressor provides the exhaust system with fresh air.

Compared to secondary air pumps, the secondary air charger provides advantages in performance, packaging and weight. The secondary air charger starts directly at engine start-up, with the onset of manifold vacuum and has a higher level of startup performance than air pumps.

MANN+HUMMEL also is introducing the world’s first all-plastic oil module and metal-free filter elements. The module is recyclable and the element can be incinerated at the end of its service life.

In February, MANN+HUMMEL and Bosch acquired Purolator’s filters business, which the two will run as a 50:50 joint venture.