Retrofit DPF gets CARB nod

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved the ThermaCat Active Level III Plus diesel particulate filter (DPF) for retrofitting on a wide variety of 1993 through 2006 on-road vehicle models powered by 5- to 10-liter diesel engines.

What makes the ThermaCat slightly unusual is that it’s a technology crossover from the off-road retrofit industry yet is built with the same core components, according to its manufacturer, ESW Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Environmental Solutions Worldwide.

The company said the ThermaCat uses a unique controlled process of regenerating collected particulate matter (PM) stored in the DPF in real-time engine operation while lowering back pressure. It said this maintains optimal emissions reductions in cold or inconsistent duty cycle applications without the need for a driver interface, expensive regeneration equipment, vehicle downtime or daily maintenance intervals.

ESW Canada added that CARB determined through testing that the ThermaCat reduces, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) in excess of 85% while meeting the nationwide stringent nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limitations that went into effect on January 1 this year: regulations requiring that all verified diesel emission retrofit technologies sold and installed in North America must not increase NO2 emissions by more than 20%.