The American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union since 1996 are setting increasingly stringent targets for emissions, with the goal of improving air quality. The goal is to protect public health and preserve our planet’s natural resources. In the last decade American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) legislation and regulatory bodies of the European Union (EU) called for the reduction of pollutants generated by diesel engines – such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM).
Tier 4 standards take effect in two phases, starting in 2011 with Tier 4A and ending with Tier 4B standard to take effect in early 2014. On that date, particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are set decrease by 90% compared with the levels set by the Tier 3 standard. The EPA (U.S.) and the EU use a slightly different terminology to refer to emissions regulations. EPA uses the term “Tier” and the EU speaks of “Phase”.
Meeting the 2011 target – NOx and PM levels to be reduced by 98% below unregulated levels – requires a gradual reduction in emissions of about 40%.
On Wednesday September 19 in Modipesa (Distributor appointed by Perkins for Spain) an open-house took place where technical innovations including Perkins ® engines of the 400, 850 and 1200 series were showcased. All series are adapted to the Tier4A standards.
The event consisted of a technical presentation, and several demonstrations of the engines of series 1204E- E44TA and 1206E-ETTA. The event had an outstanding audience attendance and it is noteworthy the impact caused on
attendees by the low levels of noise and gases emitted by the engine. In fact, adaptation to the new regulations achieved by engine manufacturers has resulted not only in the environment improvement but also in the comfort level for the users.
The main technical advantages of the 1204-1206 rn
– Passive regeneration technology, and at low temperature.
– Sensor to measure the level of soot, resulting in a very low rate in ash accumulation from combusted engine oil, and low fuel consumption.
– Free Maintenance, resulting in improved operation cost and value of the machine.
– Compact and thermally insulated installation
As for the improvements made to limit emissions under current Tier 4 standards, Perkins has equipped its engines with:
– High Efficiency Diesel Oxidation Catalyst
– A directional flow filter that filters out 70% of the particles
– A diesel particulate filter (DPF) which filters particles from the exhaust system with 98% efficiency.
Using the DPF allows an unprecedented response, fuel economy and reduction of the cooling package dimensions since the engine calibration need not be targeted only at low particle. By using primarily passive regeneration and low exhaust backpressure design, fuel economy is not negatively impacted.
Finally it is worth mentioning that Perkins engines have progressed in the development of Tier 4 by using simulation programs implemented in the assembly-lines by their engineers. The advanced “spike voltage” test beds allow for observation of how an engine works under real conditions.
