 |
|
 |
Demonstration Launched for ESW's XTRM Cat TM Diesel Locomotive Catalyst System
In September 2005 the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) ordered ESW's diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) branded as the XTRM CatTM series for demonstration in a diesel powered commuter rail locomotive.
The project calls for the installation of 16 XTRM CatTM catalysts into a GM EMD 645E3, 16 cylinder two-stroke diesel locomotive engine being used in a commuter rail application. MJ Bradley & Associates Inc. (MJBA), a US based emission consulting firm, will be working with ESW, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MBTA to manage the technical demonstration aspects of the project. MJ Bradley will also be involved with the coordination of the emissions testing which will be conducted by the Emissions Research and Measurement Division (ERMD) of Environment Canada. The testing is being done to confirm the real world reductions obtained with XTRM CatTM.
The new and innovative catalyst configuration of the XTRM Cat is based on the Company's California Air Resources Board (CARB) Level II verified proprietary catalyzed metallic substrate. It has endured a year-long test and evaluation program at an internationally recognized emission testing facility in the United States where the XTRM CatTM first demonstrated its ability to reduce Particulate Matter (PM), Hydrocarbons (HC) and Carbon Dioxide (CO) within the extreme operating conditions of the locomotive diesel engine exhaust.
The ESW XTRM CatTM locomotive oxidation catalyst is a passive system that does not rely on complicated electronics, heated elements or fuel additives to reduce PM emissions. The oxidation catalyst placement achieves emissions reductions through the proficient utilization of available heat and exhaust pressure created by the two-stroke operating cycle. The ESW locomotive catalyst is a "one cylinder, one catalyst" system designed to operate reliably without the need for routine maintenance or extensive installation downtime.
The majority of approximately 20,000 operating locomotive engines were manufactured between 1973 and 2001 predating environmental rules. Moving forward, these locomotive engines will be retrofitted to Tier Zero emission standards under the promulgated EPA locomotive emission standards. Cleaner fuels and viable oxidation catalysts, such as the XTRM CatTM, have the potential to achieve substantial PM emission reductions beyond the Tier zero standards.
For further information please click here.
