Air injection reactor
Encyclopedia : A : AI : AIR : Air injection reactor
A very early automobile emissions control system, the 'Air injection reactor (AIR) reduces the products of incomplete combustion (hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide) by injecting fresh air into the exhaust manifolds of the engine near to the exhaust valves. In the presence of this oxygen-laden air, further oxidation occurs in the manifold and exhaust pipe.
Generally the air is delivered by pump (sometimes called a 'smog pump') driven from a belt off the engine through tubing and valves to the inlet manifold(s). To prevent backfiring a diverter valve is used. When the engine is coasting this valve vents the air to the muffler (silencer) and at high engine speeds allows excess air to escape through a relief valve. Non-return valves prevent exhaust gasses entering then pump.
This technology was introduced in 1966 in California, and was in use for the next several decades. It is not generally in use subsequently, having been supplanted by cleaner burning engines and better catalytic converters.
External links
- Details with diagrams of the Chevrolet Camaro AIR system [www.camaros.org]
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