The central government is preparing to approve a new technology to reduce the level of pollution emitted by old diesel trucks and buses. Minister of Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced that a special emission control device can be installed in old diesel vehicles at an affordable price.
It is claimed that this system is capable of reducing particulate matter (PM) emissions by up to 90% and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by approximately 60%. A particular advantage of this technology is its cost: the Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) can cost only 4000–5000 rupees after installation. This is significantly cheaper than completely replacing an old vehicle with a new vehicle meeting the BS-VI standard.
Gadkari presented this information during an event organized by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Thursday. He specified that testing of this technology has been successfully completed and it was developed based on an innovation created at IIT Delhi.
Possibility of installing the device on BS-III and BS-IV vehicles
According to the government's plan, the RECD device can be installed on diesel vehicles compliant with BS-III, BS-IV, and earlier standards. The goal is to substantially reduce the amount of pollutants emitted by old machines. Information provided by the government indicates that after installing the device, the emission levels of old diesel vehicles can approach those of BS-VI standard vehicles. It is emphasized, however, that this does not mean a technical transformation of the old vehicle into a BS-VI vehicle, but rather an attempt to bring its emissions closer to modern norms.
How RECD works
RECD, or Retrofit Emission Control Device, is a pollution purification system that is mounted in the exhaust system of an already operating diesel engine. Similar technologies have also been used in diesel generator sets. Simply put, it can be compared to an 'air purifier' for diesel engine smoke. The polluted smoke exiting the engine passes through this device before entering the atmosphere. This helps reduce pollutants such as soot and particulate matter, and also lowers harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
Thus, the engine itself remains the same, but thanks to the device installed in the exhaust system, the level of pollution emitted from it is reduced.
Preparation for implementing AIS-228
To legalize the use of this technology in transport, the Ministry of Transport and Highways is preparing to approve the Automotive Industry Standard-228 (AIS-228). This standard will define the necessary technical requirements and performance conditions for the RECD. This step by the government is part of efforts to reduce pollution caused by old heavy vehicles in the country. Simultaneously, the government is encouraging the replacement of old and polluting vehicles with new ones.