E-POD™ Reduces NOx Emissions on Wyoming Drill Rigs

CleanAIR Systems installs new technology on seven drill rigs to dramatically reduce NOx, PM, HC, and CO emissions

Santa Fe, NM – February 19, 2008 - CleanAIR Systems is pleased to announce the introduction of their new emissions control technology, the E-POD™, with the successful installation of seven units on drill rigs operating in Wyoming’s oil-rich Pinedale Anticline Project Area (PAPA).

The proprietary technology combines CleanAIR’s non-toxic zeolite-based selective catalytic reduction catalyst (SCR), diesel particulate filters or diesel oxidation converters and unique reductant mixing system all within a single fully insulated, stainless steel, critical-grade silencer package. Unlike other SCR systems that only reduce NOx, CleanAIR’s E-POD™ with DPFs enables Tier 4 final compliance for most diesel stationary engines and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) compliance for lean-burn natural gas engines by dramatically reducing NOx, PM, HC and CO.

Working in conjunction with Caterpillar dealer Wyoming Machinery, custom-engineered E-PODs™ were installed on seven diesel generators between September 2008 and January 2009 in the PAPA oil fields.

An innovative drop-in design was developed for several of the E-PODs™ as a trouble-free solution to moving the system when relocating to a new drill site. A typical SCR system is bulky and difficult to move. Most systems require dismantling, placement on a flatbed and hauling to the next drill location, where they are then reassembled and once again lifted into place. CleanAIR engineers solved this time-consuming and costly moving process by fully integrating the E-POD™ within the tight space constraints of the generator trailer. Designed to be lowered into place through an opening at the top of the trailer, the E-POD™ is installed above the generator, becoming part of the trailer’s roof. This unusual approach allows the emissions control unit to “disappear” from view. It also enables the E-POD™ to be transported along with the generator, without the added expense or hassle of dismantling, hauling or lifting a separate unit.

Another state-of-the-art E-POD™ feature is the CleanAIR all-in-one Dosing Cabinet, combining an electronic control system and injection system into one easy-to-install unit. Using real-time display, automatic data-logging, programmable set-points and basic internal diagnostics, the CleanAIR Dosing Cabinet offers end-users simple, uncomplicated operational control and monitoring of the E-POD™ system.

Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Product Manager, Michael J. Readey states in a recent dealer newsletter: “We enthusiastically anticipate the 2009 release of the E-POD™, requested by dealers and developed by CleanAIR. The E-POD™ consists of a compact, ‘all-in-one’ retrofit aftertreatment system that combines greater than 90% NOx and 85% particulate reduction in a single package.”

On-site emissions monitoring at the Wyoming installation shows NOx emission readings are consistently averaging 95% reduction.

The E-POD™ is designed to fit and operate on any diesel or natural gas engine, making it easy for dealers to retrofit and service customer’s mixed-fleets without brand conflicts.

With NSPS for lean-burn natural gas engines right around the corner and EPA Tier 4 final compliance on everyone’s mind, CleanAIR’s new E-POD™ technology offers a compact, all-emissions solution to meet both federal regulations. Customers with Tier 1 through Tier 3 existing or new engines can now meet regulations today by installing the E-POD™.

For more information, visit CleanAIR Systems at http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

About CleanAIR Systems:
Established in 1993, CleanAIR Systems is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. CleanAIR’s products are designed to control air pollution such as diesel particulate matter and NOx, for internal combustion engines and gas turbines. The company is a preferred vendor of Caterpillar. Visit CleanAIR Systems online at http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

EPA and New York Slate One Million for Clean Diesel Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have slated more than $1 million to clean up old dirty diesel engines across the state. New York received more than $600,000 from EPA and has leveraged an additional $413,448 in state funding. Under this grant, the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) – a key partner in EPA's Clean School Bus USA program - will receive $857,705 to retrofit school buses with a combination of innovative clean technologies. Additionally, $175,915 will be awarded to NYSDEC to help purchase hybrid diesel electric marine engines for their new patrol boat used to safeguard the Hudson River.

“Diesel engines can be very dirty and they contribute significantly to air pollution,” said Alan J. Steinberg, EPA Regional Administrator. “But they don’t have to be dirty - we can put controls on old engines and use cleaner engines in our new equipment to drastically cut pollution from these sources.”

NYSDEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said, "As technologies to improve air quality continue to be developed, it is important to find ways to make these methods available to our communities. DEC is pleased to receive these funds to help improve our patrol boat fleet through the use of hybrid technology and we also applaud the support being provided to protect school children around the state from harmful emissions."

School districts can request funding and help from NYSERDA, which has helped nearly 90 school districts put pollution controls on more than 3,000 school buses. Using the grant money, NYSERDA will help organizations reduce their diesel emissions by installing diesel oxidation catalysts, closed crankcase filtration systems, diesel particulate filters and by applying idle reduction measures. The NYSDEC will use its grant money to pay for two new hybrid 3.2 liter (250 horsepower) diesel marine engines with electric drives for their new 36-foot enforcement patrol boat. The clean engines reduce diesel emissions and save 8,000 gallons of fuel per year.

Today’s announcement is only a portion of funding for clean diesel projects under the $50 million National Clean Diesel Campaign. The funding, newly available this year, will support grants to help save fuel and lower greenhouse gas and diesel exhaust emissions from the existing fleet of 11 million diesel engines.

The EPA’s new heavy-duty highway and non-road diesel engine standards will take effect over the next decade, and will significantly reduce emissions from new engines. However, the standards apply only to engines manufactured in the year 2007 and beyond. The 11 million diesel engines in use today will continue to pollute unless emissions are controlled with innovative technology and/or cleaner fuels. The EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign assists fleets with controlling these diesel emissions from the 11 million legacy diesel engines with financial and technical assistance. Today’s funding for New York is part of $14.8 million that has been awarded across the nation this year under the State Clean Diesel program.

EPA is working collaboratively with New Jersey to reduce emissions of harmful diesel exhaust. In 2005, regions 1 and 2 of the U.S. EPA, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management and the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont established the Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC). NEDC is a partnership of public and private organizations working to improve air quality by taking action to reduce diesel pollution. Puerto Rico joined in 2007 and the U.S. Virgin Islands joined in 2008. Today, the collaborative combines the expertise of public and private partners in a coordinated regional initiative to reduce diesel emissions and improve public health in the eight northeastern states as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

See the Source:

EPA Clean Diesel Efforts

Northeast Diesel Collaborative

Final Regulation Order Approved for Air Toxic Control Measure

The California Office of Administrative Law approved the amended Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Stationary Compression Ignition Engines on September 18th. The amended ATCM will become effective on October 18, 2007.






To view the Final Regulation Order go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/agen06/agen06.htm

Find out:
How emissions from stationary compression ignition engines (emergency and prime power generators) can be made cleaner and quieter using filter/silencers from CleanAIR Systems.

See How a Diesel Particulate Filter Works (Video)

Have you ever wondered what's inside of a diesel particulate filter? How it works to clean soot from exhaust?

Here's an animation video from CleanAIR Systems showing how a diesel particulate filter (DPF) performs oxidation to virtually eliminate particulate matter (soot, black smoke) from diesel exhaust. A DPF also gets rid of up to 99% of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions.

What About Diesels?

Last week GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz released a video on the GM FastLane Blog addressing the many inquiries sent to GM about the return of diesel cars to the American marketplace. His reply was confusing.

Lutz explains “Do not assume that the diesel engine is a panacea and is going to make everyone get to a fleet of 36 miles per gallon.”

He continues with the following points:
- Although diesel vehicles traditionally get on average 30% better fuel mileage than gasoline, they have increased emissions.

- In order for diesel cars to be sold in the US they will need to meet strict emissions standards involving more emissions control technology to reduce NOx. Each state’s regulations will vary, with California and the Northeastern states requiring much higher standards.

- The additional technology will add about $2,000 to the price tag of a diesel car.

- The new technology (SCR) will require the injection of urea, adding more hassle for car owners.

- Emissions control technology will reduce the fuel efficiency of diesel engines to only 15% above gasoline engines.

After this discussion of the problems involved with re-introducing diesel vehicles to the U.S., Lutz veers 180 degrees from this position and assures the American public, that indeed, GM is working on developing diesel cars that will soon be available in all 50 states – even in ultra-strict California.

To add to the confusion, CNNMoney.com contacted GM’s Executive Director for diesel technology, Charlie Freese, for comment. Mr. Freese believes fuel efficiency will only drop 5%, still placing the new diesel using ultra-low diesel fuel (to dramatically reduce sulfur) and fitted with emissions control technology to reduce particulate and NOx, at around 25% better fuel economy than a gasoline engine.

And then there’s an editorial by Drew Winter in the July issue of Ward’s Auto World that states the following:
- 50% of new vehicles sold in Europe are diesel powered and get approximately 30% better fuel economy than gasoline powered cars.
- European governments have encouraged the purchase of diesel vehicles by lowering diesel fuel taxes.
- Europe mandated ultra-low sulfur diesel long before the U.S., allowing for cleaner diesel emissions.
- The U.S. will never come close to Europe’s achievements without offering tax incentives for the purchase of diesel vehicles, as well as changing consumer behavior by raising taxes on gasoline.

Commentary by CleanAIR Systems, manufacturer of emissions control technology:

Our country imports more emissions control technology than we export. Creating, solving and inventing new ways to clean up vehicle emissions should be at the very forefront of our country’s technological goals, establishing the U.S. as a leader in this market.

The emissions control industry began in the 1970’s. If we had developed better, cleaner diesel vehicles 35 years ago, we would have decreased the amount of fuel used in cars by 30%. This would have reduced our emissions, reduced the amount of fuel burned, and reduced our dependency on foreign oil.

Innovative emissions control technology takes passion, persistence and the ability to change the norm with new and better ideas that create a cleaner environment.

See the Source:
GM FastLane Blog
CNNMoney.com
Ward’s Auto World
CleanAIR Systems

current issues
diesel cars

Diesel Particulate Filter on Off-Road Equipment

Below is a video showing how a diesel particulate filter works on an off-road vehicle. The CleanAIR PERMIT Filter is installed on a diesel loader used at a mine. The CARB verified PERMIT Filter is a custom designed diesel particulate filter used to virtually eliminate emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from diesel exhaust. The video shows before and after emissions testing by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) with a visible, dramatic reduction in particulate emissions (black smoke or soot) using the PERMIT Filter.

“Green” – The New Revolution in Industry

Three members of the steering committee for the Energy Future Coalition recently sent a long commentary to online environmental news source, Grist. Their dissertation presents the view that the recent rise in environmentalism, clean technologies and concern for global warming should be seen as an economic boon rather than a corporate bust that would “invigorate our economy with new ideas, new industries, and new jobs.”

Within their essay they quote venture capitalist, John Doerr (whose company invested early in Google, Amazon and Sun Microsystems) as calling clean energy “the largest economic opportunity of the 21st century.”

To bring about a change, five rules are proposed that, according to the authors would “reduce emissions, give consumers new choices, launch new businesses, and accelerate the profitable transition to new energy technologies.” They are:
1. Put a price on carbon.
2. Set carbon efficiency standards for vehicles.
3. Make energy efficiency the business of utilities.
4. Modernize the electric power grid to be more efficient and better deliver clean energy.
5. Increase government support for clean energy.

In conclusion, “with one strategic leap, we can wipe out two of the biggest threats to our children’s well-being while creating the high-tech industries that will employ them in the future.”

To read the complete essay, go to Grist: Soapbox.

See the Source:
Energy Future Coalition

Find out:
About selective catalytic reduction for coal-fired power plants to reduce NOx emissions.

The Facts on School Buses and Diesel Emissions

• 24 million children are exposed to diesel fumes each day as they ride the bus to school
  
  
• Diesel exhaust includes fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons
  
  
• Diesel emissions are classified by the EPA as “likely carcinogen”
  
  
• 70 percent of cancer risk from air pollution is attributed to diesel emissions
  
  
• Children are more affected by diesel exhaust than adults
  
  
• There are approximately 390,000 diesel school buses on the road every day in the USA
  
  
• Children are affect more by diesel exhaust when sitting at the rear of the bus where diesel emissions accumulate
  
  
• Retrofitting older buses with emissions control technology can cut emissions by 85%
  

See the Source:
EPA Clean School Bus USA
Northeast Diesel Collaborative
National Resources Defense Council

Find out:
How to decrease diesel emissions using diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation converters.

diesel pollution
particulate matter

Knock NOx – Who’s There?

It’s new emissions control technology from EGR Technologies LLC and CleanAIR Systems to reduce particulate matter and NOx from diesel emissions.

The California Air Resources Board has granted a conditional Level 3 verification for the diesel emission control system (DECS) developed by EGR Technologies using CleanAIR PERMIT diesel particulate filters. As a Level 3 emission control strategy, the technology is verified for use with stationary prime and emergency standby generators and pumps. Comprised of an exhaust gas recirculation unit and a passively regenerating PERMIT Filter, the system also includes the CleanAIR HiBACK USB (a backpressure monitor). The DECS achieves emission reductions of greater than 85% for particulate matter and 50% for NOx.

All internal combustion engines produce NOx emissions and virtually all fuels produce NOx when burned other than electric. NOx is one of the main contributing factors of smog and air pollution. It can have serious health effects such as aggravating respiratory conditions and contributing to premature death.

See the Source:
CARB – Operational Criteria and Engine Families

Contact CleanAIR Systems for more information

Stricter Pollution Control Regulations Drive Industrial Air Pollution Control Market in Southeast Asia

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the new Frost & Sullivan Report "Southeast Asian Industrial Air Pollution Control Equipment Markets" to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Southeast Asian Industrial Air Pollution Control Equipment Market provides overview of and forecasts for the APCE markets in the region along with a complete analysis of drivers, restraints, and market trends that are influencing the revenues of the industrial air pollution control equipment markets. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan´s expert analysts thoroughly examine the following applications: ESP, fabric filter, and scrubbers.

Market Sectors
Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:
By End User Verticals:
- Power plants
- Chemicals and petrochemicals
- Cement
- Steel and metal smelters
- Oil refineries
- Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:
- Electrostatic precipitator
- Fabric filters
- Scrubbers

Market Overview:
Stricter Pollution Control Regulations Drive Industrial Air Pollution Control Market in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is seeing a new wave of regulations and stringent implementation of legislation aimed at controlling the increasing levels of industrial pollution, which is driving growth in the industrial air pollution control equipment (APCE) market. Since tourism is a key industry in countries of this region, they need to sustain their attraction for tourists by offering a cleaner, pollution-free environment, which translates into better enforcement of installation of APCE in stationary emitting facilities. The presence of innovations in air pollution control such as the agglomerator, which captures fine particulates of size 2.5 microns, is likely to bring about further changes in legislation for particulate matter. This is also likely to activate a new wave of filters and electrostatic precipitator (ESP) sales.

Increasing medical costs due to the emission of harmful industrial pollutants have also contributed to this proactive move to control industrial pollution, thus creating a surge in the APCE market. Emissions from factories have contaminated the ambient air, necessitating some strong steps to clean up the air. This is made more significant as chemicals accumulating in the atmosphere come down as acid rain or cause a number of respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases. Such chemical pollution-related health hazards are costing Southeast Asia an estimated $18.40 billion a year in medical expenses and lost productivity, thus creating a vast market for APCE, says the analyst of this research service.

Overseas Investments to Set Quality Standards for Domestic Companies
Overseas manufacturers are finding it easy to participate in Southeast Asian countries due to low tariffs on imports and tax incentives. Most of these foreign companies have the financial strength to invest in R&D initiatives. They have brand recognition and can leverage from economies of scale as well as bigger marketing budgets, which help product penetration in the market. Domestic firms, in many cases, lose out in this aspect. They also face issues of technological inefficiency and inability to cut through bureaucracy or offer proactive maintenance and after-sales services.

On the other hand, domestic APCE companies have traditionally not been very enthusiastic participants due to the constraints of initial capital costs in R&D, development, and installation of APCE as well as intellectual property rights (IPR) issues. After the entry of foreign companies, domestic enterprises in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan have started installing filters, ESPs, and scrubbers at low costs, notes the analyst. Although these low-priced equipment do not provide the longevity or the quality that bigger brands offer, they have been able to establish a market of their own. This grey market is now posing a challenge to overseas suppliers, as companies in this space need to invest less in terms of the production of emission trapping equipment, geographic diversification, and product advertisement, thus benefiting from easier market positioning.

See the Source:
Research and Markets

Find out:
How out about Particulate Filters and Selective Catalytic Reduction manufactured by CleanAIR Systems