SwRI to evaluate emissions and fuels including LNG

Southwest Research Institute has been awarded a five-year, $20.16 million contract by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide testing and analytical services related to vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.

Key areas of support include emissions characterization and technology assessment. SwRI can develop test procedures and equipment for regulated and unregulated emissions in light- and heavy-duty vehicles and components as well as marine, railway, aircraft, small engine, and other non-highway propulsion systems, the institute said in a statement.

“The scope of this contract is quite broad,” said Patrick Merritt, principal scientist in the Engine, Emissions, and Vehicle Research Division. “It encompasses 25 areas, from fuels and lubricants to engine and emissions characterizations, as well as economic studies, general rule-making support, and coordinating peer review meetings.”

SwRI can evaluate all types of fuels and additives, including conventional and reformulated gasoline and diesel fuels; alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen and blends of hydrocarbon fuels; and electricity (supplied from batteries or fuel cells) for electric, partial electric, and non-electric hybrid vehicles.

The contract also calls for evaluating vehicles to ensure compliance with current emissions and other regulatory requirements and safety testing powertrains, batteries, and emission control systems. Technical services include evaluating prototype vehicle propulsion systems and related control, data acquisition, and sampling systems.

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