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What is EGR? Emission Control in Internal Combustion Engines 1

Updated: Aug 26

EGR 1

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) is a system used to control and reduce emissions in internal combustion engines. This system aims to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions formed during combustion by returning the exhaust gas coming out of the engine's combustion chamber back to the intake manifold. Here are the general functions of EGR:

1. Reducing NOx Emissions: The EGR system reduces the temperature in the combustion chamber by directing the exhaust gas back to the intake manifold. This helps reduce nitrogen oxide emissions because high temperatures can increase NOx formation.



2. Reducing Cylinder Temperature: EGR helps control the combustion temperatures of oxygen in the combustion chamber by reducing the engine's cylinder temperature. This is effective in reducing NOx emissions.

3. Improving Fuel Efficiency: The EGR system can increase fuel efficiency by reducing the amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber. Lower oxygen levels can create a better mixture, allowing the fuel to burn more effectively.

4. Controlling Exhaust System Temperature: EGR helps control the temperature of the engine by directing some of the exhaust gas back into the intake manifold. This can contribute to faster engine warm-up and improved performance in cold weather conditions.


EGR

How does it work

 

The working principle of EGR includes the following steps:

1. Monitoring and Control of Sensors: The engine control unit (ECU) monitors the operating status of the engine through sensors. These sensors include sensors that measure parameters such as engine speed, air flow, accelerator pedal position, exhaust gas temperature.



2. Determination of Operating Conditions: The ECU evaluates the operating conditions of the engine and decides that EGR should be activated in certain situations. Typically, EGR is activated when the engine is running at low load, low speed or low temperature.

3. Opening the EGR Valve: The ECU controls the EGR valve. The EGR valve opens to send exhaust gas back to the intake manifold. This valve allows the exhaust gas to mix back into the combustion chamber.

4. Directing Exhaust Gas Back to the Intake Manifold: When the EGR valve is opened, exhaust gas is directed to the intake manifold through a control mechanism. This causes some of the gas previously released into the combustion chamber to be returned.



5. Exhaust Gas Mixture in the Combustion Chamber: The returned exhaust gas combines with the fresh air and fuel mixture. This reduces the amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber and controls combustion temperatures.

6. Emissions Control and NOx Reduction: Recirculating exhaust gas back into the intake manifold lowers the temperature in the combustion chamber and reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. NOx is a harmful emission caused by the effect of high temperatures.

 



What components does EGR consist of?


The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system usually consists of a number of components. Here are the main components of a typical EGR system:

1. EGR Valve: This valve is a valve that can be opened and closed to direct the exhaust gas to the intake manifold. The valve usually operates by vacuum or electrical control. By opening the valve, exhaust gas is directed to the intake manifold, and when it is closed, this flow stops.

2. EGR Tube: EGR tube is a pipe that carries the exhaust gas taken from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve. This tube is usually made of metal pipe and serves as a line that carries the exhaust gas to the intake manifold.

3. Vacuum Hoses and Control Valves: The EGR system is usually controlled by vacuum. Therefore, vacuum hoses and vacuum control valves allow the EGR valve to open and close. Vacuum controls the EGR valve depending on the operating condition of the engine.



4. EGR Sensors: Sensors that measure exhaust gas temperature, exhaust gas pressure or other engine parameters provide information to the ECU (Engine Control Unit). These sensors are used to make decisions such as how open the EGR valve should be.

5. Cooling System: In some vehicles, exhaust gases absorbed by the EGR system may be hot. Therefore, the EGR system usually includes a cooling system. The cooling system helps optimize engine performance and emissions control by cooling exhaust gases.


These components form the basic building blocks of the EGR system. Each vehicle manufacturer may use different designs, but the general principle and components are similar.



What Are Their Connections and Interactions?

 

The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system in automobiles is linked to many other engine and emission control systems. The EGR system typically interacts with the following components:

1. Engine Control Unit (ECU): ECU is the main control unit of the vehicle. The EGR system is controlled by the ECU with the information it receives from the sensors. The ECU makes the decision to open or close the EGR valve depending on the operating status of the engine.

2. Exhaust Manifold: The exhaust manifold collects the waste gases in the combustion chamber and directs them to the exhaust system. The EGR tube carries the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold to the EGR valve.



3. Intake Manifold: Exhaust gas directed by the EGR valve is sent back to the intake manifold. This helps reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by reducing the amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber.

4. Vacuum System: Many EGR systems are controlled by vacuum. Vacuum hoses and control valves regulate the opening and closing of the EGR valve. Vacuum controls the EGR valve depending on the condition of the engine.

5. EGR Sensors: Sensors that measure exhaust gas temperature, pressure and other parameters provide data collected by the EGR system. These sensors provide the necessary information for the ECU to make correct decisions.



6. Cooling System: Some EGR systems have a cooling system to cool the absorbed exhaust gases. This system helps the EGR system operate more effectively and reliably.


How to Check in Case of Malfunction?

 

When the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system in your car malfunctions, symptoms such as a decrease in your vehicle's performance, a decrease in fuel economy or an increase in exhaust emissions may occur. To check EGR malfunction, you can follow the steps below:

Malfunction Lamp Check: If the malfunction lamp (Check Engine Light) on your vehicle's dashboard is on, this may indicate a problem with the EGR system or other engine components. You can get this information by reading your vehicle's error codes with an OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner.



Fuel Economy and Performance Control: A malfunction in the EGR system can affect the performance of the vehicle. If there are differences in throttle response, acceleration, and fuel economy, it may indicate EGR problems.

Color and Smell of Exhaust Gas: Check the color and smell of the gases coming out of the exhaust. Normally, exhaust gases should be light colored and odorless. If the EGR system is faulty, the exhaust gases may be darker in color and emit a strange smell.

Inspect the EGR Valve and Connections: With your engine cold and off, inspect the EGR valve and its connections. Check for physical damage, leaks or blockages.



Cleaning the EGR Tube: The EGR tube can develop carbon buildup over time. Removing and cleaning the tube can help clear any blockages that are causing performance issues.

Checking Vacuum Hoses and Connections: The EGR system is usually controlled by vacuum. Check vacuum hoses, connections and control valves. Leaks or broken hoses can affect EGR system performance.



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