Smoke and Odor Control for Diesel-Powered Trucks and Buses

A program of research on diesel smoke and odor was sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service by contract with Southwest Research Institute. A test facility was developed in which full-scale trucks and buses were operated on a chassis dynamometer through operating modes that yielded maximum exhaust smoke and odor. A system of exhaust dilution was employed to provide realistic odor concentrations to a panel of judges who rated the intensity and quality of the exhaust in terms of a set of chemical standards. Smoke levels were measured with a PHS-designed full-flow optical smokemeter. After an initial baseline evaluation of groups of buses and trucks with standard engines, various control techniques were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in reducing smoke and/or odor. Chemical analyses of the exhaust were made for the purpose of correlating the smoke and odor reductions with changes in exhaust composition. Extended mileage tests in commercial fleet service were initiated on those control techniques that appeared most promising.