November 1, 2008

The Air Resources Board has announced an additional four training workshops for the Mobile Off-Road Equipment Regulation.

The dates and locations for the ARB training classes are:

November 19, 2008 - South Lake Tahoe

December 4, 2008 - Fortuna

December 10, 2008 - Victorville

December 22, 2008 - Sacramento

The Sacramento Training Session will be web-cast.

View PDF for more detailed information

October 1, 2008

Current Status of Verified Systems

• List of VDECS and DPFs that have been verified by the ARB

Caterpillar is certainly leading the pack for providing Level 3 (at least 85% control) Verified Diesel Particulate Filters for most manufacturer’s engines from 1996-2008. Engines listed include at least some of the engines manufactured by: Case, Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Deere, Deutz, Isuzu, Ivesco, Komatsu, Liebherr, Mercedez Benz, Mitsubishi, Navistar, Perkins, Volvo.

Other companies also have either achieved verification, or conditional verification, for a wide range of off-road engine models.

October 1, 2008

Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies (VDECS)

The ARB has recently revised its standard presentation on Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies (VDECS), more commonly known as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). The presentation was developed in conjunction with the Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association (MECA) and deals with retrofit emission controls for Off-Road Diesel Engines.

• View the ARB Presentation

Although it is a mostly technical presentation, it does identify several areas of concern when retrofitting a DPF to the exhaust of a diesel engine. Not surprisingly, these concerns include:

Installation

• Each application is different, proper engineering judgment must be applied
• DPF’s are heavier and more fragile than standard exhaust components
• Vibration must be addressed
• Do not weld directly to DPF
• Protect filter element from water intrusion
• Wrapping the exhaust pipe upstream of the filter or thermal isolation to protect wiring and tubing may be required
• When in doubt check with the manufacturer or representative
• Make sure you receive and protect your installers warranty

Installation Safety

• Do not obstruct operator "Line of Sight" with installation
• Do not obstruct operator access
• Do not mount on safety cages without knowing the load capacity rating of the structure
• Use of proper shields to avoid accidental contact with operator, or flammable materials
• Use of proper lifting devices and techniques
• Inspect as per manufacturer’s instructions on a regular basis
• For systems with electrical components, do not use if plugs or cables are damaged

Periodic Inspections

• Warning lights from backpressure monitor
• Mounting brackets & clamps
• Presence of soot in the tailpipe
• Condensation in tubing associated with pressure sensors/monitors
• Follow vendor provided maintenance and cleaning guidelines

September 20, 2008

Guidance On Written Idling Policies

The ARB has provided guidance of what they believe should be contained in a written idling policy. Both Large and Medium Fleets (i.e. any fleet having a total of over 2500 hp) must have a written idling policy by March 1, 2008.

• If you are a client of AWR Consulting, you can have a custom idling policy configured for you inexpensively. Just request a draft written policy that you can modify and use for your own fleet

• AWR Consulting can develop a custom idling policy configured for your fleet.

OR

• You can obtain the ARB’s guidance and try and piece together the written policy, including all required elements on your own.