Guest post: Cummins Engines Researching Near Emissions for Diesel Engines
Tier 4 standards for off-road engines and equipment have put a great emphasis on near zero emission diesel engines. With regulatory goals set for a fast-approaching 2015, Cummins Engines has risen to the challenge with their next generation of diesel engine.
What is Tier 4?
Since 1996, government agencies like the United States’ EPA have been raising the bar on clean burning engines. Tier 4 is the latest standard put in place. Among other things, it requires that particulate (PM) and mono-nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are reduced by another 90% from the previous Tier 3 standard. As older, less efficient engines are eventually replaced by Tier 4 compliant diesel engines, it is projected that the annual emissions reduction will be 780,000 tons of NOx and nearly 130,000 tons of PM. That’s in addition to the cost savings of diesel fuel with engines that burn more efficiently. These changes target agricultural and industrial business the most. Diesel road and highway engines have already gone through their rounds of emission reductions (2007-2010). Now Engine manufacturers must focus on creating improvements that can produce the same amount of high-level industrial performance and reliability with far less polluting exhaust.
Near Emission Breakthroughs
Cummins Engines has recently showcased a diesel engine that does just that at major tradeshows around the world. They’ve been able to achieve all of the Tier 4 Final standards by adding a series of new Cummins engine parts. These innovations really focus on two things. The first is fuel efficiency. The second is air quality.
- Common rail high pressure fuel system
- Exhaust gas recirculation
- Variable-geometry turbocharger
- Particulate filter
- Selective Catalytic Reduction
These refinements have greatly decreased the particulate and NOx exhaust while still having all the power and utility expected from a diesel workhorse. The buzz at these tradeshows around the Cummins display is actually electric. OEMs are already starting to build these new engines into exciting new designs and packages.
The Next Generation
Perhaps the best news is that these new engines aren’t much more expensive than the old ones. Estimates place the price as only 1 to 3% more on average than the Tier 3 or Tier 4 Interim engines. The best way to stay up to speed on the availability and models of the Tier 4 Cummins Engines and their genuine Cummins diesel parts is with diesel engine suppliers.
Maintaining Low Emissions
Working towards clean burning engines does not stop and start with the engine manufacturer or your local diesel mechanic. You can ensure that your engine is running smooth by ensuring that your exhaust and fuel systems are properly maintained. Tip: Frequently checking and replacing wear parts, such as diesel injectors in your fuel system or diesel water pumps in your cooling system, will keep your engine in tip top shape. It will save you money in repairs and prolong the life of your engine, as well.
