Emission control apparatus for engine and method for reducing emissions of engine

摘要

An emission control apparatus for an engine has a plurality of catalysts disposed in series in an exhaust passage. An HC absorbent catalyst is utilized for at least one of the catalysts. An ECU controls an A/F ratio in an upstream side of the HC absorbent catalyst at a target value. The target value is corrected to a leaner value when the HC absorbent catalyst is in a desorbing condition. The leaner value is leaner than the target value during the HC absorbent catalyst is in an absorbing condition or an activated condition. The leaner atmosphere provides sufficient of oxygen to purify desorbed HC from the HC absorbent catalyst itself.