Signet, Spartan Controls, and Accurata Awarded Contract to Study Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Engines
PTAC and other funding agencies have awarded Accurata, Signet Monitoring & Analysis, and Spartan Controls a contract to study methane emissions from natural gas engines in Western Canada.
A major component of the study is gathering engine field data. We are planning to test 22 different engine models, with 5 tests conducted for each model type (~110 engine tests).
These comprehensive tests will include the following:
Detailed engine exhaust measurements – NOx, CO, CO2, O2, and CH4
Assessment of engine mechanical condition using a portable reciprocating machinery analyzer
Evaluation of ignition health, timing, coils, and plugs
Analysis of AFR (Air-Fuel Ratio) health, performance, and tuning
Examination of fuel gas composition
Crankcase vent information
Collection of key engine operating data such as speed, load, exhaust temperatures, AMP, etc.
Consideration of site conditions
Review of maintenance history and next scheduled overhaul
This study aims to be the most comprehensive analysis conducted on this topic. For the industry, the expected benefits of participating include providing real-life engine exhaust emission factors from engines operating in Canada, understanding the sensitivity of methane slip under different conditions, identifying best practices, and obtaining detailed information for industry stakeholders to present to the government in response to the proposed Methane regulations.
