Exhaust Emissions Characterization of a Turbocharged 2-Stroke Tier 0+ Locomotive Engine: NO_x, Particulate Matter and Soluble Organic Fraction Composition

This study presents a detailed exhaust emission characterization of a 2-Stroke turbocharged line haul locomotive diesel engine fitted with an early-development Tier 0 + emissions kit. The objective of this work is to use emissions characterization to gain insight into engine operation and mechanisms of pollutant formation for this family of engine, and identify areas of potential future engine emissions improvement. Results show that at the notches tested (notches 3–8) the largest contributor to particulate matter (PM)mass is insolubles (mostly elemental carbon), but that the soluble component of PM, comprising 14–32% of PM, is also significant. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the soluble portion shows that it is composed of 55–77% oil-like C₂₂–C₃₀₊ hydrocarbons, with the remainder being fuel-like C₉–C₂₁ hydrocarbons. The emissions characterization suggests that advancing combustion timing should be effective in reducing PM mass by reducing the insoluble portion (elemental carbon) of PM at all notches. NO_x will likely increase, but the current level of NO_x is sufficiently below Tier 0+ limits to allow a moderate increase. Reducing engine oil consumption should also reduce PM mass at all notches, although to a smaller degree than measures that reduce the insoluble portion of PM.