OAK RIDGE, Tenn., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- When tough emission regulations for vehicles using U.S. roadways go into effect next year, researchers want diesel engine and parts manufacturers ready.
Laboratory researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee are helping companies differentiate materials and test components to meet EPA's emissions mandates, ORNL said. The requirements are expected to create a 90 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide and soot released by diesel vehicles, whether trucks or cars.
"Environmental Protection Agency regulations are pushing emissions control technology very hard, so engine and emissions control equipment manufacturers require access to very sophisticated tools to develop this technology. Fortunately, our user facilities are well equipped to help them," said Arvid Pasto, director of the ORNL's High Temperature Materials Laboratory.
Pasto said companies can use the lab's equipment, services and personnel to better understand materials used in exhaust after-treatment systems. The center's instruments can analyze companies' products in areas such as durability, resistance to heat and stress, and thermal conductivity, he said.
