Evaluation and Project Management
Every country faces unique problems. Not only
is the level of pollution a driving factor when recommending a
solution for successful emissions reduction, but one must also
take traffic patterns, level of difficulty in technology
implementation, local customs and the cost-impact of
implementing the technology into consideration when proposing
successful solutions. Omnitek is proposing technology
solutions based on a Cost-to-Benefit Ratio.
Even as some experts suggest that with current
technologies one could easily "leapfrog" one emissions
standard i.e. go from EURO II directly to EURO IV bypassing
EURO III, Omnitek believes that in most instances this is
technologically very challenging and financially not feasible
outside the most affluent countries.
Every successful solution to reducing the air
pollution in urban areas incorporates a multi-step approach.
But, it is also recognized that this is not always practical,
nor feasible. However, some of the solutions may include:
Emissions
Control Technologies - New Vehicles - Modifying Traffic
Patterns - Enforcement of Traffic Laws - Modifying Driving
Habits - Courteous Driving Awareness Programs - Infrastructure
Projects - Mandatory Vehicle Inspections - Retiring of Oldest
Vehicles - etc.
Source of Pollution and Technology Solutions
Pending further discussions, pollution sources are classified as
follows:
1.) Cars and Private Pickup Trucks 5.) Motorcycles
2.) HD Diesel Trucks 6.) Watercrafts
3.) HD Diesel Buses 7.) Electricity Generators
4.) Commercial Light Trucks and Buses 8.) Railway
There is not one emissions reducing technology solution that is best suited for all
pollution sources. Furthermore, one should take future
emissions requirements into consideration when choosing a
solution to meet current standards, taking a step-by-step
approach.
To clarify this point further,
we look at HD diesel engines: In 2004, diesel sulfur levels in
most countries prohibits the use of the most effective diesel
emissions reducing technologies. Furthermore, these highly
sophisticated technologies are also the most expensive and may
not be economically feasible. So one may choose a step-by-step
approach over a 3 to 8 year period, where step #2 is a logical
addition to step #1 and a further improvement in emissions
over step #1. Where step #3 further builds on step #2 etc.
Or it may be decided that converting the HD diesel engines to clean-burning natural gas
is the best long-term option.
Choosing this kind of approach also favors the vehicle retirement
program and does not waste money by trying to upgrade the
oldest vehicles in a fleet to stringent and practically
unachievable emissions levels.
What Solution Best Solves the Problem
When deciding to buy new vehicles or technology to combat air pollution and high fuel
costs, most customers desire the highest quality / best available technology at the
lowest price. Obviously this combination is not possible. Also, it is not reasonable to
expect that the customer will accept low quality / outdated technology, even if this
combination is available at the lowest cost. The combination of highest quality / best
available technology at a realistic and appropriate high price is only accepted in the
most affluent countries. In developing countries, this is economically not feasible.
Omnitek follows the philosophy that in those countries, the combination of
good quality and appropriate level of technology at a median
price point is the best combination and economically can be
implemented.
Emissions Reducing Technologies
Following are emissions reducing technologies Omnitek can offer:
a. DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst)
b. DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
c. HyDPF (Hybrid Diesel Particulate Filter)
d. Biodiesel
e. Diesel Additive
f. CNG Engine (new replacement engine or diesel engine conversion)
g. LPG Engine Conversion.
h. Replace old DH Diesel engines with new-technology HD Diesel engines.
i. SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)
j. Evaluation and Multi-step Project Management
Additional Points
Early stage project evaluation topics include:
1. Desired emissions reduction and projected cost.
2. Solutions may require evaluation of the vehicles mechanical condition.
3. Diesel or CNG?
A. Staying with diesel as a fuel has
some benefits. Diesel has insignificant evaporative emissions and has high energy content.
Diesel engines have
good fuel economy, infrastructure is in-place, relatively low
maintenance cost. -- High fuel cost and pollution.
B. If natural gas is
available domestically (local source) it is a much cheaper fuel and emissions
are lower. Maintenance procedures are not unlike those of gasoline
engines. -- Infrastructure may not be in-place.
4. Quality of available fuel.
5. Inspection / maintenance and vehicle retirement
programs should be part of the solution.
Conclusion
Considering a diverse vehicle population and that there is not
one emissions reducing technology solution that is best suited
for all pollution sources, as well as taking economics into
consideration based on a cost-to-benefit ratio, Omnitek can
offer the best solution for the project.
Emission Standards Around
The World
