Emissions control systems for today’s air quality standards

Buyer’s FAQs

Are you looking to purchase an emissions control product? If so, there are many factors to consider when selecting the right control technology for the job.

Although price is one aspect of the decision-making process, buying on price alone may end up costing you more in the end. If additional variables such as sizing, installation and packaging are not taken into account, you can end up spending more than you intended due to hidden costs. Or worst yet – you may have to entirely replace the product for one that is more suited to your application needs if it does not meet air quality requirements.

How can you avoid purchasing the wrong product? By asking the right questions of every emissions control provider you are considering.

Whether you call CleanAIR Systems or someone else, the following list of FAQs along with our Buyer’s Checklist offers a guideline to help you make an informed buying decision.

12 FAQs to Ask Your Emissions Control Provider:

1. Is the emissions control system verified by CARB, EPA or has undergone extensive emissions testing?: If a system is CARB verified it has passed rigorous testing requirements to meet strict California air quality regulations. An EPA verification is similar to a CARB verification, although a more conservative approach is taken to establish verified levels of reduction. If a technology is CARB verified it is also considered EPA verified through a reciprocal agreement whereby EPA and CARB honor each other’s verifications. Some application technologies don’t fall within the emissions criteria or categories set by CARB or EPA. In this case, results from emissions testing of the control technology should be provided to the buyer to verify the technology has been tested to meet certain levels of emissions reduction. The CleanAIR PERMIT Filter is CARB verified for prime power and emergency generators.
2. Is the system all-inclusive?: A buyer should always ask if a complete system, ready for installation, is being provided. A low price quote for a system may signify a system that does not include certain parts or the correct packaging necessary to install the technology. If this is the case, the buyer will need to provide the appropriate packaging, etc. themselves, adding to the initial cost of the system. CleanAIR Systems offers complete emissions control systems.
3. Will the system require extensive installation and/or labor costs?: Emissions control systems can be complicated depending on the application and control technology required. Products custom designed to user specifications such as space and inlet/outlet locations, offer easier installation. The easier the system is to install, the less it will cost the buyer in labor charges. All CleanAIR products are custom designed to application requirements.
4. Is the system within the backpressure limits set by the application’s engine manufacturer?: If a system is priced lower than expected, check to make sure it is not undersized for the engine. If a buyer purchases an undersized system because the cost is lower, it may result in an increase in engine backpressure, a drop in emissions control efficiency or even damage to the system. An example of an undersized system would be smaller sized filters or fewer filters than required for the size of the application. The CleanAIR technical sales staff will make sure your product is properly sized to avoid backpressure issues.
5. Is the system constructed of durable materials?: Diesel particulate filters, diesel oxidation catalysts and some selective catalytic reduction catalysts need to be “packaged” within an outer stainless steel shell in order to contain the filters or catalysts and attach the system to the application. There are several grades of stainless steel that can be used for system packaging. The most durable, corrosion resistant and longest lasting is 304 stainless steel. Make sure to ask what type of steel is being used to manufacture your system. All CleanAIR products are manufactured using 304 stainless steel.
6. Does the emissions control system meet sound attenuation requirements for my location and purpose?: If you are purchasing a combination product such as a filter/muffler or filter/silencer or scr/filter/silencer, make sure the product offers the level of sound attenuation required for the application. Find out if the filter/silencer offers double-walled construction with full-body insulation to fully reduce exhaust noise and contain exhaust heat. CleanAIR products do exactly that.
7. Will the system fit within the available space of my application?: Many applications are not designed with space requirements for retrofitting with emissions control products. The available space may be small or non-existent. In these cases, other solutions must be engineered, usually requiring a system to be customized to a buyer’s space limitations. Make sure the emissions control manufacturer supplying your system is capable of complex engineering and custom fabrication. Every CleanAIR product is custom engineered, designed and fabricated to meet application requirements.
8. Is there a system warranty for performance and workmanship?: Check with your emissions control provider on what type (if any) warranty is included with your system. Find out the warranty specifics such as performance, materials, parts, etc.
9. Will the system be completed and delivered within the specified time requirement?: If you are under-the-gun, trying to meet a regulation deadline, check with the manufacturer on how much up-front time is required to design, fabricate and complete the system. If the system is a custom product, it will require more time than an off-the-shelf or standard product. Also find out if the supplier will guarantee delivery by a specific deadline.
10. Is free technical product support part of the purchase?: What do you do after the system is installed and you need tech help? Check with your provider to make sure the manufacturer will stand by their product and be available for questions. Be aware that some suppliers charge for this service. CleanAIR offers free technical support for their products.
11. Is the emissions control provider an integrated manufacturer?: An integrated manufacturer provides most, if not all of the parts incorporated within a system. Why is this important? Integration means the manufacturer has complete control over all parts of the system. They catalyze their own filters, fabricate parts and provide all product packaging. This enables the manufacturer to offer customized products for specific applications. Non-integrated manufacturers often purchase standard filters, catalysts or other parts and repackage them into their system. This allows for limited or no customization of the product. Non-integration can also lead to higher product cost due to component mark-up.

In the case of a non-integrated manufacturer - the application is forced to fit the available technology, rather than the control technology fitting the application. CleanAIR is a fully integrated manufacturer.
12. Who exactly manufactures the components of the system, such as catalysts, filters, and packaging? Are they made by the company supplying the system or pre-purchased from another company? Is the emissions control provider a U.S. company?: There are a limited number of emissions control manufacturers providing fully integrated, customized systems, completely manufactured by the same company. Many purchase filters and catalysts from other companies, usually of European origin. This, in itself, can add to product cost due to international shipping rates.

Currently there are only a few manufacturers who are completely U.S. owned. Why does this matter? If a manufacturer is completely integrated and U.S. owned, they have control over design, catalyzation (therefore having the ability to offer a custom catalyst), fabrication (again, offering the ability to customize the product) and cost. Also, if all parts are manufactured by the same company, there is only one warranty and one tech contact, rather than several. CleanAIR Systems is a U.S. owned, privately held company that manufactures all parts used within their emissions control systems.

As you can see from the FAQ’s listed above, each application and situation is different. Many factors need to be discussed in order to determine the best emissions control product for your vehicle, stationary engine or power generation facility.

CleanAIR Systems can answer all of your application questions.

Contact the CleanAIR technical sales staff for assistance in finding the correct CleanAIR product to meet your emission control requirements.

Call 505-474-4120, 800-355-5513 or email us at information@cleanairsys.com.

Buyer’s Checklist
Question		Yes	No
1	Is the emissions control product verified?
2	Is the product or system all-inclusive?
3	Does the system require installation and/or labor costs?
4	Is the product packaging made of durable materials?
5	Is corrosion resistant stainless steel used for packaging?
6	If noise reduction is a problem, does the system meet sound attenuation requirements?
7	Can the product or system be designed to fit within the available space allowed by the application?
8	Does the product or system come with a warranty?
9	Will the product be delivered within the time required?
10	Does the provider offer free tech support for the product?
11	Is the product being designed and manufactured by the same company?
12	Is the system and its parts manufactured in the US?

Need Help?
800-355-5513

News

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CARB Verified