PROPOSAL:

Execute Contracts with Acurex Environmental Corporation and CARB to Cost-Share Demonstration of Fuel-Borne Catalyst System to
Reduce NO_x and Particulate Emissions from Diesel-Fueled Vehicles.

SYNOPSIS:

Acurex Environmental Corporation has proposed a demonstration of an innovative heavy-duty diesel technology in a California fleet application. The technology, developed by Rhône-Poulenc, Inc., simultaneously achieves low NO_x and particulates levels by utilizing a cerium-based diesel fuel additive to achieve regeneration of a particulate after-treatment filter. Total project cost is $1.3 million. AQMD cost-sharing is $225,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, March 28, 1997, Recommended for Approval.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Recognize $225,000 in revenue from the ARB.

2. Appropriate $225,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account in the Technology Advancement Office.

3. Authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with the ARB to co-sponsor a demonstration of a fuel-borne catalyst system to reduce NO_x and particulate emissions from diesel-fueled vehicles, to be passed through from AQMD to Acurex Environmental Corporation.

4. Authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with Acurex Environmental Corporation in an amount not to exceed $450,000 to sponsor a demonstration of a fuel-borne catalyst system to reduce NO_x and particulate emissions from diesel-fueled vehicles.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

There is a tradeoff between reducing NO_x and particulate emissions in direct-injection diesel engines using combustion control techniques. Optimized control of one of the pollutants usually comes at the expense of the other. Simultaneous control of NO_x and particulates is achievable by reducing peak combustion temperatures through retarded injection timing or exhaust recirculation (EGR), in conjunction with after-treatment devices, such as particulate filters (traps). Experiments with traps have proven costly and frustrating to fleet operators due to difficulties in cleaning the traps of accumulated particulates, a process known as regeneration.

Rhône-Poulenc, Inc. has developed an innovative approach which chemically alters the characteristics of diesel fuel allowing it to be combusted in a cleaner fashion. It accomplishes this by the use of a cerium-based additive, trade-named EOLYS™, promoting semi-continuous regeneration of particulates at lowered temperatures without the use of energy-intensive, costly heating systems. Recently, Rhône-Poulenc reached an agreement with Cummins Engine Company under which Cummins would provide two 1998 technology B5.9 L diesel engines equipped with advanced EGR for demonstration with an EOLYS™ system in a California fleet application.

In this proposed project, the EOLYS™ system will be field tested in a California heavy-duty diesel vehicle fleet. The objective of the field test is to demonstrate and evaluate this diesel additive and filter technology in an actual fleet operation. The evaluation will address emissions performance, engine efficiency, system durability, and operation and maintenance requirements. The demonstration will provide feedback to Rhône-Poulenc and Cummins regarding the performance and feasibility of the technology, and the potential for bringing the technology into the California vehicle market.

The proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan, approved on October 11, 1996, as Project T2-1, "Demonstration of Fuel-Borne Catalyst System to Reduce NO_x and Particulate Emissions from Diesel-Powered Vehicles." The expected benefit of this project would be to demonstrate the feasibility of using a currently available advanced heavy-duty diesel engine technology to meet the ARB and EPA 2004 emissions target of 2.5 g/bhp-hr combined NO_x plus HC, while simultaneously achieving low particulate emission levels. In addition, the successful demonstration of EOLYS™ in in-use fleet vehicles could encourage accelerated commercial introduction of this technology.

Sole Source Justification

Section II, Step 3(C) of the Consultant Selection Policy identifies four provisions under which the Governing Board may award a sole-source contract: (1) cost to prepare documents exceeds the cost for consultant; (2) delay would result in the endangerment of public health; (3) services are only available from the sole source; and (4) other circumstances exist identifying the sole source as in the best interest of the AQMD. This request for sole source award is being made under provision (4).

Acurex Environmental Corporation is internationally recognized as a transportation / air quality technology demonstration consultant. Through its demonstration work, Acurex has developed strong working relationships with the manufacturers of heavy-duty engines and vehicles, including Cummins Engine Company, which will be involved in this project. Acurex is very experienced in working with local distributors and dealers to procure, install, maintain, and test prototype hardware. Acurex also has considerable experience with the unique air quality problems of the South Coast Air Basin, previously serving as the lead contractor on numerous low-emission and alternative fuel vehicle demonstration projects. Acurex has performed numerous assessments of emission reduction strategies and emission inventories for the AQMD and other California clients, and is recognized as a leader in integrating "hands on" familiarity with low-emission hardware and their understanding of the engineering and scientific fundamentals that make the hardware demonstrations relevant.

Acurex Environmental Corporation encourages the participation of, and uses as subcontractors, small businesses, and minority-, disabled veteran-, and woman-owned business enterprises in its programs to the maximum extent possible to ensure efficient performance and comply with contract requirements and applicable laws. Acurex has a small business liaison person, whose responsibility is to develop and promote the utilization of these businesses to participate in contract performance. Acurex is a member of the Industry Council for Small Business Development in California. The company utilized the Small Business Administration’s Procurement Automated Source System to search for specific requirements.

Resource Impacts

The total cost of the project is $1.3 million, with AQMD's co-sponsorship amount not to exceed $225,000. The ARB intends to provide $225,000 in funding for this project. Sufficient funds for the AQMD portion of this project are available from the FY 1996-97 Budget. The proposed project complies with the Board program requirements for alternative clean fuels.

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