APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TO REDUCE FREE OXYGEN CONTAINED WITHIN ENGINE EXHAUST GAS

摘要

A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combusti on engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engin e. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometic ratio such that the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is devoid or substantially devoid of all free oxygen and excess unburned hydrocarbon fuel is expelled with the exhaust gas from the engine.