Evaluation of Particulate-Filtering Device in Reducing the Particle Emission of a Gasoline-Powered Motorcycle

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Motorcycles emit smoke that contain hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide which isharmful to one's health and to the environment. Considering these information, the researchers designed, constructed, and tested a filtering device using activated charcoal, sand, and aerial roots of rubber plant (Ficus elastica) as absorbing materials.

METHODS

The pollutant-filtering device was designed and constructed based on a pre-set specification. To come up with an exhaust pipe filter, the activated charcoal, sand, and aerial roots of rubber plant were combined and wrapped inside gauze. Then, the gauze containing the materials needed were put inside a cylindrical can and then sealed. After sealing, the device was attached at the end of motorcycle's exhaust pipe. A motorcycle with gasoline was subjected to smoke emission test. With the use of Automotive Emission Analyzer, the hydrocarbon reading obtained without using the device and the amount of hydrocarbons emitted with the use of the device were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

Results show that before using the pollutant-filtering device, the hydrocarbons content of smoke emitted by a single gasoline-powered motorcycle was measured and the following means are obtained: HC ppm-76, CO%-0.99, and CO2 %-0.6, and O2 %-19.4. On the other hand the means obtained when the device was used are as follows:

HC ppm-28, CO %-0.26, CO2 %-0.1, and O2 %-20.6.

DISCUSSIONS

Results show the following success rates of each pollutant: HC ppm is reduced by 64%, CO is reduced by 74%, and CO2 is reduced by 83%. What's interesting is that the O2 is increased by 6%. This reveals that the device made with activated charcoal, sand, and aerial roots of rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is effective in filtering and adsorbing. This also means that the Particulate-Filtering Device is effective in reducing hydrocarbons pollutants from gasoline powered motorcycle.