Cummins chips away at NOx.(oxides of nitrogen)(Brief Article)

Cummins Engine Co., Columbus, Ind., has launched a voluntary initiative to lower levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emitted from its diesel engines.

New calibrations are available on 1996-1998 Cummins M11 Plus and N14 Plus engines. Customers can go to Cummins distributors or dealers to have the electronic calibrations uploaded--a process that takes a few minutes.

Meanwhile, Cummins continues its development work on cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The technology was successfully demonstrated on the next generation of the company's B Series engine, and is being applied to its other medium and heavy-duty engines.

Cummins claims to have: achieved a 2% improvement in fuel economy compared to its current product; reduced NOx by 50%; and reduced unaided cold starting time by 80%.

In addition, says Cummins, throttle response is significantly improved through the use of variable-geometry turbocharging.

The old water-in-the-fuel trick

Lubrizol Corp., Wickliffe, Ohio, has introduced PuriNOx, an "economical, lower-emission alternative to conventional fuel," which consists of diesel fuel, 10-20% purified water, and a proprietary Lubrizol additive package.