Data Logging for Diesel Engine Emissions Control

Recent local, state and federal mandates have required the reduction of harmful emissions, both particulate and NOx, from diesel engines used in off road equipment, generators, buses and construction equipment. A variety of control technologies exists, but each is best suited for a specific engine use map and a key part of retrofitting this equipment is collecting data to determining this use map. After the emissions reduction equipment has been installed, it's also necessary to monitor engine performance to make sure that the equipment has not adversely effected the operation on the engine. This paper will review the data logging requirements for this application, the sensors required and sensor mounting considerations and data logger requirements.

Why do these parameters need to be monitored? There are 2 main reasons why it's important to monitor these parameters. First, the engine operating conditions to determine which of the available emissions reduction strategies is the best fit. The optimal method depends on typical engine load and duty cycle, exhaust gas temperature and other operating parameters that are specific to the way the engine is being used.