Pinoy’s gas-saving invention now used in motorcycles

A new anti-pollutant device designed exclusively for motorcycles was launched Thursday, offering a new lease on life for two-stroke engines that have difficulty meeting emission standards set by the Clean Air Act.

Inventionhaus International Corp. said in a statement that the device, called the Khaos super turbocharger for motorcycles, can save up to 30 percent of fuel and lower carbon monoxide emission rates to 0.8 percent per volume, or a vehicle’s total exhaust volume.

Under the Clean Air Act of 1999, the acceptable level set for carbon monoxide emission by motor vehicles is set at 4.5 percent per volume.

The device is based on an earlier version made for gasoline engines by Filipino inventor Pablo Planas, who said he is optimistic that his new invention will benefit millions of motorcycle and tricycle owners throughout the country.

The launch of the Khaos super turbocharger for motorcycles, held at the Manila Yacht Club on Roxas Boulevard, coincided with the celebration of Planas’ 68th birthday. The event was attended by Senate President Franklin Drilon and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

"This is an opportunity for us to look for a solution on how to save gas," Drilon said.

Atienza, on the other hand, said he is "endorsing this Filipino invention because it not only saves on gasoline but is environment-friendly."

According to the website of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), there are approximately 900,000 motorcycles nationwide, with some 180,000 in Metro Manila alone.

The EMB said emission tests conducted on tricycles showed that their average hydrocarbon emissions were 6,000 ppm (parts per million) or 10 times above the acceptable standard for cars.

"Two-stroke tricycle engines have lower fuel efficiency. Some 15 percent to 40 percent of their fuel-air mixture escapes through the exhaust port. Because of this, the unburned gasoline and lubricant they emit contribute to increased hydrocarbon and fine particulate emissions in the atmosphere," the EMB said.

Tricycle operators and drivers had rallied against the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Resolution No. 02-36, which urged Metro Manila mayors to stop granting new franchises to two-stroke vehicles. They were also against the mandatory emission testing, prior to vehicle registration, required by the Clean Air Act.

Section 22 of this law states that "no motor vehicle registration shall be issued unless such motor vehicle passes the emission testing requirement promulgated in accordance with this Act."

The Clean Air Act’s implementing rules and regulations stipulate that "carbon monoxide emission of in-use motorcycles (two- and four-stroke) should not exceed six percent of the engine’s total exhaust volume during idle state."

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) earlier said that two-stroke engines, which constitute 95 percent of tricycles in Metro Manila, are less expensive because of their uncomplicated design and because they have fewer parts to maintain. However, they were found to produce substantial amounts of hydrocarbons, which contribute to the smog that causes air pollution.

Four-stroke engines, on the other hand, have a higher combustion temperature and emit only well-burned gases that do not contribute as much to air pollution. These engines cost at least P5,000 more than the two-stroke motorcycles, according to the DENR.

In 2002, the Metro Manila Council, with the mayors of 17 cities and municipalities as members, passed a resolution urging local government units to temporarily stop granting new franchises to two-stroke tricycles by 2003 to address air pollution.

Then DENR Secretary Elisea Gozun said they would formulate a plan to provide financial support to small and independent tricycle and jeepney operators to enable them to comply with the Clean Air Act.