Research To Eliminate Car Exhaust Gases

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31365, 10 May 1967, Page 10

Research To Eliminate Car Exhaust Gases

A car company and an oil firm will spend seven million dollars in a research programme aimed at an early development of petrol-powered vehicles which emit virtually no exhaust gases. The anti-pollution project will start this month. Mobil Oil Corporation and the Ford Motor Company will co-Oper-ate, if necessary for three years. It is hoped that the goals are reached earlier. Provision has been made so that others may participate in the project. All participants will have access to and free use of the results of the research.

Tha Ford company will serve as a project manager in a “systems approach” study of wide range combinations of engine design and fuel. It is expected that the study will lead to the development of an exhaustrfree engine with minimum cost to consumers and minimal effect on car performances.

The Ford-Mobil project will be concentrated on the following:

All elements of the basic engine, including the induction, combustion and ignition systems. A catalytic exhaust system capable of working with

unleaded petrol. A thermal after-burner exhaust system (non-cata-

lytic) for use with leaded gasoline. Methods of removing nitrogen oxides from the exhaust or preventing their formation.

Methods of controlling evaporative losses from the fuel tank and carburet-

tor. Studies of a dual fuel system for reducing octane requirements and hence the cost of producing petrol. Studies of fuel and lubricant composition that would be required to minimise emissions from any of the above systems.

Mr A. L. Nickerson, chairman of the board of Mobil Oil Corporation, said: “We are putting both resources and determination into a strong effort to bring this part of the pollution programme under control. We think this project will help demonstrate that business knows its public responsibilities and can meet them voluntarily and well.”

Mr Henry Ford IL chairman of the board of the Ford Motor Company, said: “This could lead to quick and longlasting benefits for the customers of both the automotive and petroleum industries and for the public generally.” DECIMAL CONVERSIONS Decimal currency will be Intrpduced in New Zealand tn July, 1967. Recommended conversion rate! from S« to £1 are as follows:

8s SOo 13s 81.30 68 60C 14s 81 40 78 70C 15s 81.50 88 80C 168 81.60 98 90c 17| 11.70 108 81 18s 81.80 111 81.10 19S 81.00 12s 81.20 208 82