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Principle of exhaust gas recirculation (pneumatic) | Pierburg | Motorservice

Troubleshooting in exhaust gas recirculation system on Otto and diesel engines

Basic information

Pierburg | Motorservice

What is exhaust gas recirculation? Why is exhaust gas recirculated and how does this affect pollutant emissions? Which components are fitted in the EGR system? Find the answers here.

Vehicle: all vehicles equipped with exhaust gas recirculation system Products: Pos. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 (see figure)
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a reliable and practice-proven method of emission control: As a result of exhaust gas, the oxygen content in the air-fuel mixture is reduced, and consequently the combustion temperature in the cylinders lowered. Since harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) are mainly produced at high temperatures and pressures, it is possible to reduce the NOx concentrates emitted to the environment by up to 50%. On diesel engines, the formation of soot particulates is lowered by approx. 10%.
Exhaust gas recirculation is only activated at defined operating points. On petrol engines this is normally the case above idling and up to upper part load, on diesel engines up to approx. 3000 rpm and medium load.
Principle of exhaust gas recirculation (pneumatic) | Pierburg | Motorservice
Principle of exhaust gas recirculation (pneumatic)
  1. Air filter
  2. Air mass sensor
  3. Throttle valve/control flap
  4. Cylinder
  5. EGR valve (in this case:pneumatic)
  6. Electropneumatic pressure transducer
  7. Lambda probe (Otto)
  8. Catalytic converter
EGR at a glance Diesel engine
(all injection types)
Petrol engine
(manifold injection)
Petrol engine
(direct injection)
Effects Nitrogen oxides -50%
Particulates -10%
Less hydrocarbons emitted
Less noise emitted
Nitrogen oxides -40%
Fuel consumption -3%
Less CO2
Nitrogen oxides -50…60%
Fuel consumption -2%
Less CO2
Return rates Max. 65% Max. 25% Max. 50% (with stratifi ed charge)
Max. 30% (with homogenous operation)
Others EGR cooling is required for vehicles
with higher weight class
EGR cooling under discussion High EGR rates at high load

Components of exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR)

The EGR valve meters the amount of recirculated exhaust gas.
It is added either at the exhaust manifold or at the intake air system, or it is located in a heatresistant exhaust-gas pipe which connects the exhaust manifold to the intake air system. Pneumatic EGR valves are actuated by way of vacuum via electromagnetic valves:
On basic systems with an electric switchover valve, the EGR valve only has an open-close function.
On systems provided with an electro-pneumatic pressure transducer (EPW), the EGR valve is infinitely adjustable.
The vacuum is taken from the intake manifold or generated by a vacuum pump. Electric or electromotive EGR valves are actuated direct by the control unit and no longer need any vacuum or solenoid valve.
3083

EGR valves on diesel vehicles have large opening cross-sections because of their high return rates.
01: Pneumatic EGR valve
02: Pneumatic EGR valve with position detection
03: Electric EGR double-seat valve

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On EGR valves in petrol engines, the cross-sections are considerably smaller.
04: Electric EGR valve with connection to the coolant circuit
05: Pneumatic EGR valve
06: Electric EGR valve

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