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| Triplicate Diesel Detectives in a diesel engine exhaust |
Background
The efficacy of diesel particulate matter control depends on the ability to measure engine emissions quickly and effectively. A NIOSH-patented detector tube technology is being used to solve this problem. NIOSH work on this project has been conducted jointly through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with SKC, Inc., of Eighty-Four, PA. The device, known as the Diesel Detective, will enable front-line personnel to determine quickly the particulate emission levels of an engine and determine if control technology maintenance may be required. Because of this NIOSH research, the Department of Minerals Resources, New South Wales, Australia, has tested the prototype Diesel Detective in laboratory and field trials and has recommended use of the technology in Australian mines.
Potential Outcome
In response to these U.S. and Australian research results, SKC, Inc., is funding the commercialization of the instrument. In 2005, BHP-Billiton (the largest mining company in the world) published an article entitled "Diesel Emissions Manage-ment." In this report, the authors recommend that the Diesel Detective be used by all diesel fleet managers to examine engines and isolate those in need of particulate emission control. SKC, Inc., now has orders in-hand for this device and is working on commercialization. This development has the potential to provide the entire mining industry with an inexpensive and reliable tool for evaluating the performance of diesel emission controls in a timely manner. In U.S. coal mines where no ambient air testing is done, this device will make it possible to evaluate the performance of DPM control filters to test for failures during routine maintenance quickly. In metal/nonmetal mines, it will provide a valuable tool to engineering and maintenance personnel to find out if a filter is performing as designed. The technology is now available and proven and should be commercially available in 2006.