PR-360-10209-R01 Field Test of Integrated ERLE Technology

This report summarizes the outcome of the Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI) Emis-sions Reduction for Legacy Engines (ERLE) program. The overall objective was to develop technical options that allow 80% of legacy engines to achieve anticipated NOx requirements (approximately 0.5 g/BHP-hr), with no increase in other emissions or fuel consumption, no decrease in operating range or stability, and costs ranging from 1/6 to 1/3 of new engine replacement costs. The program culmination consisted of field tests of two typical pipeline engines retrofitted with suites of these technologies. The tests results confirmed that the technologies offer benefits in emissions reduction, improved engine stability and efficiency and increased operating range meeting or exceeding the original program goals. The results also identified opportunities for further research and possible improvement in pre-combustion chamber (PCC) fueling strategies, starting strategies for PCC fitted engines and methods to quantify engine damage incurred during start, idle and low load operation vs. typical loaded operation.