Increasing concern over automotive exhaust pollution has led to very severe legislative limits being imposed on vehicle emissions. Whilst the vehicle constructors are working to improve the hardware to meet these limits, it is evident that the contribution to be made from improved fuels and lubricants is of increasing significance.
This paper not only shows the effect of diesel fuel additives in maintaining system cleanliness over the required emissions durability limits, but also discusses the effect of new technology giving substantial particulate reductions in the order of 15-40%, whilst leaving the gaseous emissions (HC, CO and NOx) either unaffected or reduced. The effectiveness of the technology is demonstrated in a variety of diesel engines - from passenger cars to heavy duty trucks - over the legislated test cycles.
Driveability benefits in passenger cars have also been noted with these additives in terms of increased power and improved acceleration times.
The effect that the lubricant can have on d articulate emissions has also been examined. Some preliminary data on the combined effect of low emission fuels and oils is presented.
Whereas the benefits of hardware improvements are only realised in the new vehicle market, utilisation of these technologies could give an emissions reduction across the entire diesel vehicle population.