Abstract

The primary objective of the present research was to estimate the reduction of atmospheric emissions of CO, HCT, and NOx obtained by the use of catalytic converters installed in light-duty Otto-cycle fleet vehicles after more than eight years of introduction of this technology in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago-Chile. A methodology for the calculation of exhaust pipe emission was used, based on activity level and speed, depending on emission factor estimations. Cold starts and evaporative emissions were also considered. The methodology was applied to a reference scenario corresponding to the emission inventory for the year 2000, with results compared to a hypothetical scenario representing a situation without emission control devices. Results suggested that the technology under study accounted for reductions of 50% CO, 41%HCT, and 27% NOx.