Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair

Nigel N. Clark.

Abstract

Recreational marine engine operation effects water quality as well as air quality. Significant quantities of hydrocarbons are discharged into the rivers, lakes, and estuaries used as recreational boating waters. In order to investigate the impact of recreational marine engine operation on water quality, a MerCruiser 3.0LX four-cylinder four-stroke inboard engine and a Mercury 650 two-cylinder two-stroke outboard engine were tested using EPA required certification procedures. Both engines were tested with exhaust gas/cooling water mixing (scrubbing) in the exhaust stream using both freshwater and saltwater. Additionally, the inboard engine was tested without exhaust scrubbing. Gaseous emissions (HC, NOx, CO, and CO2) from the engines were continuously measured using a constant volume sampling system. Both exhaust gas and cooling water samples were collected and speciated for hydrocarbon species present. In addition, carbonyl compounds were collected by diverting a portion of the exhaust stream through 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) charged cartridges. Chromatography methods were used for species identification. Detailed descriptions of the testing apparatus, equipment, and analysis procedures used are included. Results for gaseous emissions, carbonyl compounds, and aqueous samples are reported. The mass ratios of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide gaseous emission for the MerCruiser and Mercury engines were approximately 0.0046 and 0.55 respectively. These results show that concerns over gaseous hydrocarbon emissions from these sources are warranted. Additionally, high levels of acetone were detected in gaseous emissions from the MerCruiser engine while operated with exhaust scrubbing.

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