A literature review was carried out to study the technical and economic implications of the introduction in Europe of more stringent exhaust emission standards for heavy duty diesel engines. Trends in engine type and usage and in the quality of diesel fuel, existing and proposed exhaust emission and noise control legislation in Europe, japan and the USA and methods of reducing the gaseous and particulate emissions from diesel engines were reviewed. The information was used to assess the technology which would be required to achieve seven progressively more severe levels of emission control. All but the most severe level of control were considered achievable using existing technology, although this technology has not been proven in service. The most severe level, which assumed a very low permissible particulate emission rate, would necessitate the use of particulate filtering equipment, which is still experimental. Introduction of the necessary technologies is expected to result in price increases, which, in the longer term, might be absorbed. Regular inspections would be necessary to ensure that the emission standards of new vehicles were maintained in use. (Author/publisher)
Abstract