The Diesel Engine
Over the past 120 years of internal combustion engine evolution, the Diesel engine has proven itself above all others to be the most efficient, cost effective, durable and rugged for getting work done. Especially when it comes to general heavy duty applications. This achievement has been attained despite the dirtier emissions reputation of diesel when compared to petrol, gas or other comparable engine types. At KleenAir Systems, we understand the diesel engine and how to reduce or contain its many constituent pollutant emissions.
The Pollutant Emissions
Emissions are the by-products of the combustion of Diesel fuel (average composition CH12H23) in air (78% Nitrogen - N2, 21% Oxygen O2). The following pollutants are of primary concern.
| C | Carbon (soot) | Nano particles are hazardous to health |
| CO2 | Carbon Dioxide | Greenhouse gas |
| NO | Nitrogen Oxide | Helps form Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide |
| NO2 | Nitrogen Dioxide | Greenhouse gas |
| O3 | Ozone | Reduces lung functions -Hazardous to health |
| CO | Carbon Monoxide | Poisonous - hazardous to health |
| HC | Hydrocarbon – (unburnt) | Carcinogen–hazardous to health. Forms Ozone |
Modern engine design, driven by legislation to reduce harmful emissions, attempts to eliminate the production of pollutant emissions by the control of many variable factors:
Air (oxygen):Fuel ratio
Fuel injection timing
Fuel atomisation
Combustion temperature
Pressure (compression ratio)
In reality elimination is impossible to do, particularly as engines must constantly vary responses to deal with changing load demands and when accelerating or decelerating. The employment of several pre-combustion reduction strategies tend to be counter productive or lowers fuel efficiency overall. Some form of after combustion device will be required to bring the engine out emissions into line with the full spectrum of current legislative standards.
Post Combustion Emission Reduction
KleenAir Systems specialise in the post combustion elimination of harmful emissions. Applications for our engineered solutions typically range from engine capacities of between 2 and 20 litres. We offer solutions for a wide range of industries, applications and environments including:
- Heavy Goods Vehicles HGV
- Light Commercial Vehicles LC
- Taxi
- Inland waterway and marine
- Mining
- Bus and Coach
- Off-road and construction equipment
- Rail
- APU, Generator and Pumping equipment
Our design ethos is driven by reliability, durability and cost efficiency, we also believe that low maintenance and longevity are also very important.
We are large enough to deal with fleet and OE applications but are also proud to include many owner/operators amongst our many hundreds of satisfied customers.
Our primary location is the United Kingdom but the KleenAir team are fully conversant with global emission standards and have enjoyed participating in projects and development programs in Europe, the United States, Latin America and the Far East. We will consider your application for the most remote of locations.
About the LEZ
The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is now in operation. The aim of the scheme is to improve air quality in the city by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the area.
The vehicles affected by the LEZ are older diesel-engine lorries, buses, coaches, large vans, minibuses and other heavy vehicles that are derived from lorries and vans, such as motor caravans and motorised horse boxes.
Cars and motorcycles are not affected by the scheme
The LEZ commenced on 4 February 2008 for lorries over 12 tonnes, with different vehicles affected over time and tougher emissions standards introduced in January 2012.
From 7 July 2008, the LEZ applies to lorries over 3.5 tonnes, and buses and coaches over 5 tonnes with more than eight seats, plus the driver's seat.
Cars and motorcycles are not affected by the scheme
Benefits
The objective of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is to improve air quality in London.
London has the worst air pollution in the United Kingdom and amongst the worst in Europe, adversely affecting the health and quality of life of many Londoners.
The Mayor of London has a legal obligation to take steps towards meeting national and European Union air quality objectives which are designed to protect human health.
In London, road transport is the single biggest source of Particulate Matter (PM10) and oxides of Nitrogen(NOX). These are the primary causes of air quality-related health problems, including worsening symptoms of asthma.
5 Steps to London LEZ Compliance
I am concerned that my vehicle does not comply with the Low Emission Zone for London - How do I achieve compliance?
Step 2 - Select a method for compliance
Step 3 – Selection of the abatement device
