Impact of operational factors on environmental safety of internal combustion engines

Abstract Our planet’s atmosphere is being contaminated by a variety of pollutants. Over a half of these hazardous chemicals is emitted by stationary industrial installations, while the rest come from operating motor-and-tractor and special-purpose machinery as well as vehicles. Around the globe, motor-and-tractor machinery emits millions of tons of oxocarbons, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and various compounds containing sulfur, soot, and other harmful substances. In response to this issue, most of the transportation in the Russian Federation is carried out by vehicles with diesel engines, which have greater energy conversion efficiency and consume 30% less fuel than vehicles with spark-ignition engines. Agricultural machinery, for the most part, is also powered by diesel fuel. The exhaust gases emitted by ICEs are a composite mixture of gases, vapors, liquid droplets, and dispersed solid particles. While possessing different chemical properties, the components of this mixture have a negative impact on human health, triggering allergies and causing severe diseases. Furthermore, environmental pollution by exhaust gases is detrimental to the output of agriculture and animal husbandry; it diminishes the quality of fodder plants and meat and dairy products, and reduces the value of horticultural crops. The ICE toxicity and smoke emission level depends on a number of factors, including the engine’s overall condition, the adjustment of the engine and fuel equipment, exhaust back pressure, manifold depression, and fuel quality. As the engine’s cylinder and piston group wears down during operation, the exhaust gases become contaminated with an increasing amount of incomplete combustion products; the share of crankcase fumes in the engine’s hazardous emissions increases as well. Most of the factors that have a negative impact on the ICE’s environmental safety during its operation can be eliminated through timely maintenance and regular repairs. Keeping motor-and-tractor machinery in good condition is fundamental for reducing ICE toxicity during operation; however, it is far from the only requirement that needs to be met. Hazardous emissions and fuel consumption by motor-and-tractor machinery largely depends on compliance with the operational guidelines, including the proper use of high-quality fuels, oils, and other relevant supplies, such as fuel or oil additives.