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Nearly 80% of all emissions from an automobile during the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) occur within the first two minutes of the test because the engine is running rich and the catalyst has not reached peak operating temperature. Research at Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. have proven the benefit of using the engine's natural vacuum to drive a membrane module to supply Oxygen Enriched Air (OEA) during initial start up. The benefit of the OEA has shown to decrease emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC). In addition, OEA helps to maintain the combustion flame stability when the engine is operated in a lean mode or at a low engine speed. There is evidence that OEA may also account for to a shorter warmer up time for the catalyst. A 3 inch diameter by 9 inch long module, (7.5 cm dia. × 23 cm) with a small regenerative blower, was installed to an accessory port on the intake manifold of a truck engine.

Exhaust emissions consisting of oxides of nitrogen (collectively known as NOx) from internal combustion engines present a serious environmental problem. Although the problem exists for both gasoline and diesel engines, the problem is more severe for the diesel engine. NOx formation in an engine depends strongly on flame temperature, and flame temperature is dependent upon the composition of the fuel and the intake air. The concept is to develop and test copolymer modules for Nitrogen Enriched Air (NEA) supply to diesel engines. The objective is to minimize NOx production from diesel engine emissions without a significant loss of fuel efficiency or a significant increase in carbon monoxide and smoke related emissions. In the present study, a module using the latest membrane technology was designed, tested and fabricated. The modules were installed in a diesel engine test stand and tests were run. The NOx level from the test engine using standard air was established.