Nett Technologies have received verification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for their BlueCAT 300 closed-loop catalyst system. The California Air Resources Board have verified the Nett BlueCAT 300 closed-loop catalyst system for its mobile sources LSI-2 measure. The verification covers specific LSI (large spark ignited [over 25 hp]) engines, model years 1990 through 2001 used in unregulated off-road applications operating on propane (LPG) fuel. Model years 2001 through 2004 are also covered for non-complying phase-in engines.
The BlueCAT 300 closed-loop catalyst system, available from Norman G Clark , employs a high performance 3-way catalytic converter and a digital air-fuel ratio controller to reduce emissions of uncontrolled engines to 1.0g/hp-hr of NOx + HC, consistent with a Level 3a classification. Specific engine criteria for which the BlueCAT 300 closed-loop catalyst system has been approved may be found in Executive Order G-07-017 posted on the California Air Resources Board website.
The California Air Resources Board’s off-road LSI measures are targeted at forklifts and include other LSI engine powered equipment. The LSI engines used in the majority of applications are similar to automobile engines. NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and HC (hydrocarbons) emissions from these engines are higher than that of today's automobiles. It is these NOx and HC emissions that contribute to the formation of smog, often visible in large urban centers. Smog is also a health concern as it can inflame breathing passages and can cause eye or nose irritation, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. The reduction in NOx and HC emissions from LSI engines can improve working conditions inside buildings as well as reduce smog formation in the environment.
3-way catalytic converters, such as used in Nett Technologies’ BlueCAT 300 closed-loop catalyst system, work by converting harmful NOx, HC and CO (carbon monoxide) emissions into CO2 (carbon dioxide) and water. For 3-way catalytic converters to achieve maximum reductions, the relative amounts of NOx, HC and CO emissions must balance. These emissions are balanced when the engine operates at a specific air/fuel mixture called the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. Modern automobiles use fuel injection and on-board computers to keep the engine at the stoichiometric ratio.
Nett Technologies’ BlueCAT 300 closed-loop catalyst system uses a digital air-fuel ratio controller which incorporates an oxygen sensor, solenoid and the electronic controller to maintain off-road LSI engines at stoichiometric. When paired with the high performance catalytic converter used in the BlueCAT 300 closed-loop catalyst system, emission reductions are maximised. BlueCAT 300 catalytic converters are configured as a catalytic muffler which is a replacement for the original equipment's muffler. Due to the limited space in the engine compartment of most LSI powered equipment, placing the catalytic converter inside the muffler is often the only solution. Since mufflers are exact replacements, installation is simple. The BlueCAT 300 air-fuel ratio controller features a built-in diagnostic function, which allows constant visual monitoring of the engine's fuel system by the operator and/or service technician.