| Make Emission Reductions Pay for Themselves - Page 3 |
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The ship's officers attested that no visible smoke was seen on either the fast or slow runs. There was no actual comparison between stack emissions before and after we installed them. However, Valley Detroit Diesel-Allison, a Mira Loma, Calif.-based agent of Interstate Diesel that assisted in the sea trials, took readings after the installation which showed grams per hour emissions almost matched the factory specs for a brand new 4,000 hp GM Electro-Motive 16-710 engines, and excellent result considering some of the Wenatchee engines have 30,000 hours on them. How much changing the engine lube oil to multi grade contributed to lowered emission and improved fuel economy is unknown, but we feel it made a positive visual impact. However, it is known that it reduced oil consumption, cleaned up the engines, reduced valve guide wear, and, in essence, extended the life of the engines.
The Fleet
Article: Make Emission Reductions Pay for Themselves |
Lessons learned from this trail will be adopted fleet wide. The fleet of 29 vessels varies greatly in size, route and age, necessitating a different strategy be used to achieve goals. Engines from different manufacturers, blended fuels and low sulfur fuels are also being tested. Fuel injectors, which meter fuel going into the cylinder and turn it into a fine sprat that burns instantaneously on ignition, are playing a key role in the modernization effort. The ECOTIP injectors have several features that have proven effective in helping to reduce particulate matter, hydrocarbon emission, carbon monoxide and sulfur. For example, there is a smaller "sac" area in the tip, a patented feature that reduces the area where unburned fuel can accumulate and help lessen the dribble that can occur after the end of ignition, helping to promote a more complete burn with each ignition. The new injectors also have an improved check valve (patented), a reconfigured follower (patented), and a plunger that is match ground within clearance tolerances of millionths of an inch when inserted into its bushing.