Rentar Fuel Catalyst Validating Protocol

The purpose of validating is to determine the performance of the catalyst in an application so wise investment decisions can be made. The purpose of this protocol is to document how to properly validate the catalyst. We like to say validate because it's been "tested" in labs and by customers plenty of times. But we understand that nobody believes any numbers except their own - so, we accept that you might want to validate as well. 

We have extensive experience helping customers to validate these and also have a Six Sigma Black Belt background that aids in statistical analysis. We will walk with you side by side through the whole process.

There are three major phases to running an accurate test: 1) Baseline Determination, 2) Conditioning Period, and 3) New Performance Determination.

Baseline Determination (0-500 Hours)

·    We will use any agreed-upon method to determine the average fuel use on a particular piece of equipment over an agreed-upon time. This could be the ECM data, historical fuel records, a one-time emission test that measures all carbon, etc. We can use any method that we all agree to.

·   We prefer testing on ~4 trucks/machines that have been used for about a year or more (we don’t want new trucks/machines– that is not representative of a fleet).

·    Use the data to determine how much fuel per day or per load or per distance, etc. As long as we always use the same measurement – then we can compare “baseline” and “new” performance.

Catalyst Installation (30-60 Minutes)

·    The catalyst must be installed properly. Detailed installation instructions are here.

• Install as close to the engine as possible
• Isolate from extreme vibration
• Do not crush the catalyst when tightening fittings

Conditioning Period (~250 Hours)

·    The catalyst and the engine need a period of time to get “conditioned”. The fuel will condition the catalyst and then the catalyst will clean out the engine. Besides increasing efficiency of the combustion, it will remove the soot that has accumulated and cause the engine to run better and cleaner. But this won’t happen right away – we must give roughly 250 hours for this conditioning to take place. If we don’t, we will not know the actual performance of the catalyst.

·    We do not measure the fuel usage during this period. If we do measure, we do not include the data in the “before” and “after” calculations.

·    Run the truck/machine as normal – the same conditions as the Baseline Determination.

·    Run for about 250 hours before you start measuring the fuel use again. It's critical to allow this conditioning period.

New Performance Determination (500+ Hours)

·    Hopefully the machine has been used as normal during the whole test so far and we keep using it as normal for the final part of the test. It is important that the truck/machine is used the same throughout so that we have “apples to apples” comparison of the “before” fuel usage and “after” fuel usage.

·    Run the truck/machine as normal for at least 200-300 hours and then take the ECM data (or other fuel usage data) for that time period and compare against the same baseline data. Report the data weekly.

End of Test

·    The results will be calculated like this: 

·    (Baseline– New) / Baseline = % difference

We have much more detailed instructions on how to validate this technology, including spreadsheets to use, etc. Please contact us and ask if you're interested.

Optional Fast-Track Validation (we like this one!)

There is a US EPA-approved method for measuring fuel consumption by using a "Carbon Mass Balance" method. Basically, you measure all carbon emissions before and after the "conditioning period". Then you calculate the difference in carbon before and after. (The amount of carbon, from all sources, is directly proportional to the fuel burned.) That gives you the difference in fuel used before and after. This means you can skip all the long and tedious fuel measurements before and after and gets your results in ~250 hours of operation. It gives you the added benefit of having proof of emission reductions too. We have a white paper and spreadsheets for customer use using the method - just ask for it below. The measurements must be taken in front of the aftertreatment system.

Working Together

We will ask you to agree to work together with us in good faith according to the above protocol to validate the technology in your application. We will help and advise throughout the whole process and help you analyze the data for evaluation and project approval purposes. We've done this with many customers and look forward to working with you too.