Navistar debuts diesel engines that burn ultra-low sulfur fuel

PHILADELPHIA (June 10) — Navistar International Corp. used hearings on tougher U.S. emissions rules for cars and light trucks to demonstrate its so-called “Green Diesel Technology,” which allows diesel engines to use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel to reduce tailpipe emissions.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency met yesterday to discuss the agency’s proposed Tier 2 emission standards for passenger vehicles and light trucks. Navistar demonstrated its Green Diesel Technology in an International rear-engine school bus fitted with an International T444E diesel engine, a continuous regenerative trap, and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (less than 5 parts per million).

Particulate matter emissions were reduced by more than 90%, the company said, which are within the EPA’s stringent proposed Tier 2 limits. Hydrocarbons were reduced below measurable levels, which eliminated the odor often associated with diesel engines.

“Our school bus shows that diesel engine technology can provide solutions that meet the needs of our customers, and the environment,” said Pat Charbonneau, vice-president of engine engineering for Navistar’s Engine and Foundry Division.

“Ultra-clean diesel fuel is an absolute necessity if we are going to achieve the dramatic breakthroughs necessary to reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions,” he added. “All of our research and development work rests on the premise that low-sulfur fuel is a critical technology enabler, without which we cannot achieve the level of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter control called for by the Tier 2 proposal.”