Technical Bulletin Diesel Oxidation Catalyst National Clean Diesel Campaign Installation, Operation and Maintenance www.epa.gov/cieandiesei Pre-lnstallation Prior to installing any retrofit device, engine inspection and maintenance should be performed to ensure proper engine operation, vehicle exhaust system integrity and amount of lubrication oil consumption. Technology Selection To select the best Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) for a specific vehicle, it is necessary to identify: • Vehicle Type: Highway or Nonroad • Vehicle Class: School Bus, Class 8ATractor, Ferry, Locomotive, Forklift, etc • Vehicle Specifications: Manufacturer, Model, Year • Engine Specifications: Manufacturer, Model, Year, Displacement, Horsepower; Location, Turbo-charge, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) • EPA Engine Family Name: Can be found on the engine's emission label and contains 11 or 12 characters such as TCP7.2RZBDBRB or 3NVXHO466ANA • Annual Miles Traveled (Highway) or Annual Hours of Operation (Nonroad) • Engine-out PM emission levels and • Engine duty cycle and the resultant exhaust temperatures. The verified diesel retrofit technologies lists of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (GARB) define the specific engine operating criteria that must be met to successfully apply a particular retrofit technology (www.epa.gov/ otaq/retrofit/verif-list.htm). Installing retrofits on engines not included in the verification designation may void the engine and emission control component warranties, and may be considered tampering. Exhaust Temperature Data Logging To achieve verified levels of emissions reductions, DOCs typically require a minimum exhaust gas temperature of 150°C, this is easily met on a wide range of engine models, years, and duty cycles. Data logging must be performed on each vehicle to document exhaust temperatures. If varying vehicle routes or sporadic work loads are used, or significant changes in ambient temperatures are expected, data logging under different conditions may be necessary to accurately document duty cycle and the resultant exhaust temperatures. Exhaust pipe insulation may be used to retain heat. If insulation is used, data logging should be performed with insulation installed. Fleets should maintain data logging records for all vehicles for later reference. Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) on Track Dozer Installation Installation may be performed by the retrofit supplier, or the retrofit supplier may provide training to fleet personal to perform installation. Since a DOC typically weighs more and may be larger than the muffler, stronger clamps and brackets may be required in place of those used with the original muffler. Failure to utilize appropriate hardware can result in a mechanical failure of support brackets and damage to the equipment. In most applications, the DOC matches the dimensions of the conventional muffler and can be installed as a muffler replacement. In other cases the space available for DOC installation on the vehicle or equipment is very restricted and the DOC configuration must be custom-designed. Safety, visibility, and vibration issues may also need to be addressed by a custom installation. The time required for EPA-420-F-09-011 February 2009 ------- DOC installation will vary depending on the situation and is generally one to three hours. The DOC must be mounted within a set distance of the exhaust manifold, as specified by the manufacturer. Exhaust pipe insulation may be used to retain heat. Backpressure Monitoring In most DOC retrofit applications there is no need for backpressure monitoring. However, if the vehicle emits extremely high levels of PM and/or idles for long periods of time, an exhaust backpressure monitoring and operator notification system may be installed to notify the operator when maintenance is needed. Maintenance and Operation Once properly installed, DOCs require little maintenance. DOC manufacturers and product suppliers should provide vehicle service technicians with training on proper retrofit maintenance procedures. Plugging is very rare, but it can occur in older, high-emitting or poorly maintained vehicles and/or in situations where an engine idles for a long period of time. As a result, the DOC can be overwhelmed with unburned fuel and lubricants (ash) that must be removed by cleaning. In general, cleaning requires removing the DOC from the vehicle, heating it, and using compressed air combined with a vacuum system to blow out the ash and capture it in a sealed container. Professional cleaning services are available. Highly automated cleaning stations are also becoming available, allowing fleet service technicians to perform cleaning on-site. It is important to properly maintain vehicles and monitor fuel and lubrication oil consumption. A bad fuel injector or increased oil consumption may be masked by a DOC. A DOC may be damaged by a poorly maintained engine. ------- |