Catalytica Energy Systems Inc. (CESI) has signed test agreements with two heavy-duty diesel engine OEMs to evaluate its diesel fuel processor technology designed to enable a 90% reduction in NOx emissions.

This solution could help bring diesel engines into compliance with emissions restrictions being imposed by the federal EPA, which require a phased-in 50% to 90% reduction in NOx between 2007 and 2010, according to CESI.
Catalytica Energy Systems has completed the manufacture of two full-scale prototype diesel fuel processors that will be used in an initial round of OEM tests scheduled this month.
These tests could further validate the technology while operating on a heavy-duty diesel engine. Earlier tests on a rig simulating the environment of a heavy-duty diesel engine demonstrated the fuel processing performance under real-world conditions of temperature, exhaust flow and fuel sulfur levels consistent with 2007 and 2010 after-treatment system requirements, CESI said.
"The response of diesel engine manufacturers to our diesel fuel processor technology supports the industry and media assertion that identifying a solution for compliance with the EPA mandate remains an ongoing challenge," said Mike Murry, president and CEO of Catalytica Energy Systems. "With more than 500,000 HDD truck engines produced annually in the U.S., the over-the-road market presents a large and exciting opportunity for us to expand our NOx reduction technology suite. Successful OEM tests will provide additional credibility to our solution and will help secure our long-term prospects for participation in an expanding diesel emissions reduction market."
The company has recently filed a patent related to its diesel fuel processing technology, which leverages years of catalyst development expertise along with its recognized diesel fuel processing capability. This enabling technology is designed to facilitate significant NOx reductions by improving existing NOx trap performance.
While current NOx traps offer considerable NOx reduction capabilities, performance issues related to durability, operating range and fuel economy limit their real-world viability. The company believes that the rapid regeneration capability of its technology will resolve these deficiencies and, when combined with a NOx trap, could prove to be the solution for diesel OEMs to comply with the most stringent phase of emissions reductions. Catalytica Energy Systems now seeks to transform its rig-proven technology innovation into a durable, deployable NOx reduction solution for the 2007/10 diesel market.
Catalytica Energy Systems designs, develops and manufactures advanced products for the energy and transportation industries with a focus on cost-effective solutions for improved performance and reduced emissions from combustion sources.
For more information, visit Catalytica Energy at www.CatalyticaEnergy.com.