You are here:
PM Removal Efficiency from Diesel Gensets Equipped with Aftermarket Control Devices
Citation:
Yelverton, T., A. Holder, AND J. Pavlovic. PM Removal Efficiency from Diesel Gensets Equipped with Aftermarket Control Devices. 35th International Symposium on Combustion, San Francisco, CA, August 03 - 08, 2014.
Impact/Purpose:
Ways to mitigate or eliminate particulate matter (PM) emissions from combustion sources has been a focus of the research and regulatory communities for years in order to improve human and environmental health. More recently, attention has been focused on how diesel particulate emissions, particularly the strongly light absorbing fraction (i.e. black carbon, BC), may impact changes in the global climate. In order to inform future efforts to address these PM emissions, a study was performed to test three stationary diesel gensets (230kW, 400kW, and 600kW) of varying engine displacement (from 8.8-27 L) and physical size. The goal was to quantify the PM control efficiency of aftermarket active and passive diesel particulate filters (A-DPF and P-DPF, respectively) and a diesel oxidative catalyst (DOC) by comparing them to the emissions of an uncontrolled genset.
Description:
Diesel particulate matter (PM) has been associated with adverse health effects in humans and is classified as a human carcinogen. Additionally, diesel PM, particularly the strongly light absorbing fraction, black carbon (BC), is an important climate forcer. These adverse impacts of diesel PM and BC have spurred interest in reducing emissions from diesel combustion sources. In order to inform future regulatory efforts to address PM and BC emissions, a study was performed to determine effectiveness of aftermarket control devices on diesel gensets. Three diesel gensets of varying engine displacement and physical size were tested uncontrolled or with an aftermarket diesel particulate filter (DPF) or diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). While the main function of a DOC is to oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide (CO) in the engine exhaust, it has been suggested by manufacturers that a co-benefit for PM removal exists as well.