Biodiesel brings testing into focus
Greg Reed, Technical Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 12/1/2005
Recent soaring energy costs have created intense interest in non-petroleum-based energy sources. One alternative fuel source, biodiesel, offers a homegrown solution for the diesel engine industry. For test providers, the testing associated with diesel engine efficiency and emission particulates could translate into a windfall.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed a final rule implementing in-use testing requirements for heavy-duty diesel engines. Under a new program, manufacturers will measure gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions from diesel engines using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS) installed onboard the vehicle. Following a pilot highway truck program, the in-use testing will become mandatory in 2007 for highway engines.
Globally, similar diesel test programs exist in Europe, Asia, and South America. Additional diesel retrofit and test programs exist in California and Japan.
The advent of alternative fuels and the accompanying resurgent interest in diesel engines offers engineering firms growing opportunities in test and measurement. Whether testing for engine efficiency, emission particulates, or other performance diagnostics, reliable test data will hasten adoption of alternative energy practices while reducing dependence on foreign oil.
Contact Greg Reed at editor@aatr.net.
