Application of Catalytic Converters to the Caterpillar 785 Off-Highway Truck

Catalytic converters have been developed to reduce diesel engine emissions to aid in meeting the 1994 EPA on-highway standards for heavy duty (above 8,500 pound gross vehicle weight) trucks. As converters are made available for on-highway applications, questions inevitably arise as to their applicability to larger off-highway equipment. This paper covers the application of catalytic converters to a Caterpillar 785 off-highway truck operating in a diamond mine in Siberia.

Targeted emissions for this application were unburned hydrocarbons (HC) (especially aldehydes), and carbon monoxide (CO). Experience from the on-highway converter development indicated oxidation catalysts could reduce these emissions. This paper addresses the development and selection of a catalytic converter for the 785 truck.

Tradeoffs of vehicle modifications vs. catalytic converter performance and design are discussed. Service loads were also considered for the prediction of mechanical and emissions durability of the converter units. Finally, an update on a successful field test installation is given.