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PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract to Cost-Share Evaluation of Alternative Specifications to Proposed ARB Standards for Motor Vehicle Grade Liquefied Petroleum Gas

SYNOPSIS:

Because of industry concerns regarding ability to comply with proposed standards for motor vehicle grade liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ARB has postponed promulgation of the standards pending evaluation of alternative LPG formulations. An LPG Task Group has been formed by the ARB and includes the Western Propane Gas Association, National Propane Gas Association, ARCO, Shell, Engine Manufacturers Association, Cummins, Ford Motor Company and the AQMD. This Task Group has developed a test protocol to evaluate alternative fuel formulations to determine their relative impact on engine performance, durability and emission levels. The total cost of the proposed evaluation project is approximately $500,000, with AQMD cost-share not to exceed $100,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, December 11, 1997, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with The ADEPT Group, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $100,000 to cosponsor an evaluation of specifications for motor vehicle grade LPG.

Barry Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

ARB has proposed a 5% propene limit on LPG used as a motor vehicle fuel. However, some refiners in California have expressed difficulty in meeting this requirement. On March 27, 1997, the ARB approved a two-year delay for implementation of a 5% propene limit, and instructed staff to investigate the feasibility of equivalent specifications of LPG. ARB coordinated a Task Group to draft a test program and protocol in order to evaluate the emissions, performance, and durability of using fuels meeting alternative LPG specifications. The Task Group members represent refiners, fuel distributors, engine manufacturers, vehicle parts manufacturers, and others, including the AQMD.

The Task Group has drafted a test program to evaluate various LPG blends to determine if there are equivalent specifications that would alleviate supply and distribution concerns for users of LPG motor vehicles, while meeting performance, durability and emissions. The Task Group has selected The ADEPT Group, Inc. (ADEPT) to manage the test program.

Proposal

The Task Group proposes to conduct an evaluation of various mixtures of LPG fuels in existing engines. Engine stand and vehicle dynamometer testing will be performed, as well as bench testing of injectors for durability assessment. Testing will evaluate emissions, engine performance, and durability characteristics of various LPG fuels in these engines and components. The test program will be conducted in the following order: (1) fuel testing, (2) emissions testing, (3) performance/combustion testing, and (4) durability testing. The Task Group will meet on a regular basis to review the progress of the test program.

The proposed project is included in the September 1997 update of the Technology Advancement Plan to the Clean Fuels Program in proposed program 97M1-3, "Development and Demonstration of Low Emission, Alternative Fuel Engine Technologies for On-Road Applications."

Sole Source Justification

Section II, Step 3 (C) of the Consultant Selection Policy and Procedure identifies four provisions under which a sole-source award may be justified: (1) cost to prepare documents exceeds cost for consultant, (2) delay would result in the endangerment of public health, (3) services are only available from sole source, and (4) other circumstances exist identifying sole source as in the best interests of the AQMD. This request for sole-source award is made under provision (4). It is in the best interests of the AQMD to execute this contract with ADEPT to join with the multiple members of the LPG Task Group and their combined resources to complete this project.

The Task Group has selected ADEPT to manage the test program. Members of the Task Group include representatives of a variety of interested parties including fuel suppliers, engine and vehicle manufacturers and others. The Task Group selected ADEPT because of their proven project management skills, and their experience working with engine and chassis original equipment manufacturers and fuel suppliers in propane engine/vehicle development and demonstration projects.

Resource Impacts

The total cost of this proposed project is estimated at $500,000. The breakdown of the cosponsors and estimated support is as follows:

Sufficient funds are available in the Fiscal Year 1997-1998 Budget.

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