How It Works
The Combustion Reaction
Hydrocarbon molecules in fuel combine with oxygen in the combustion reaction to release energy and produce carbon dioxide and water in the combustion reaction. Fuels contain a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds ranging from simple aliphatic compounds to complex condensed aromatic compounds known as asphaltenes. The more complex the molecule, the slower the combustion reaction. As the volume increases in a reciprocating engine piston chamber and work is done to push the piston, temperature is reduced to the quench temperature and the combustion reaction stops. This is much like blowing on a candle to extinguish it. Unburned fuel in the form of particulate matter and unburned hydrocarbons are swept from the piston chamber with the exhaust.
Several metals catalyze the combustion reaction. SFA International discovered a unique combination of iron and magnesium that yields a much more complete reaction accompanied by reduced fuel consumption and particulate matter in the exhaust. Fuel consumption improvement is greater than can be explained through mass balance calculations. We believe this is brought about by faster combustion rates leading to higher pressure on the piston earlier in the process with more efficient use of the energy. This has been confirmed by observing reduced exhaust temperature with use of the catalyst.
Iron atoms in the combustion catalyst gain high energy at combustion temperatures. As the work is performed and the system cools, the iron atoms release energy to reignite unburned hydrocarbon and continue the combustion process. We believe the magnesium then releases energy re-energizing the iron and continuing the combustion reaction to completion.
NOx formation occurs at very high combustion temperatures. The catalyzed combustion reaction is at a faster rate with less time at high temperatures. As a result, there is less opportunity for formation of NOx. We have seen NOx reductions ranging from 30% to 90% depending on fuels and engine conditions. With combustion catalyst containing only iron, the reduction of NOx is less than 30%.
What you can expect:
Reduced Fuel Consumption by an increase of the speed of the combustion reaction. This results in more complete combustion of the fuel and more efficient use of the energy in the fuel.
Reduced NOx in the Exhaust by limiting the time the gases from combustion are at high temperatures required for nitrogen oxides formation.
Reduced Particulate Matter (Soot) and Unburned Hydrocarbons through more efficient combustion of the fuel.
Reduced Exhaust Temperature with less corrosion and deposits on exhaust valves and turbocharger blades.
Reduced Engine Wear by less abrasion on cylinder linings and rings from carbon deposits.
Improved Oil Life by reducing combustion gases blow-by.