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n Tier 4 Interim: Final Emissions Hydrocarbons (HC) Hydrocarbons (HC) are the gaseous compounds that results from unburned fuel and lubricating oil, and are the source of the distinctive scent of a diesel exhaust. HC can be created from fuel that is not adequately oxidized or is leftover on an injector nozzle tip. HC can also result from air/fuel mixtures that are too lean or too rich. HC is regulated as either Total Hydro- carbon Emissions (THC) or Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC). TIERS/STAGES Tier 1 regulations were implemented in 1996 while Stage I went into effect in 1999. Both focused on reducing NOx and PM emissions. Each step in the Tier and Stage chart represents a kilowatt (horse- power) range for engines. The technology required to meet Tier 1/Stage I was relatively basic. It included changes in fuel rate, timing, compression and other internal engine adjustments. Prior to Tier 1/Stage I, there were no emissions regulations or certification requirements for non-road engines. Tier 2/Stage II, which was phased in from 2000-2003, further reduced NOx, and PM emissions by 35 percent over Tier 1/Stage I. Meeting these new emissions levels required changes to the electronics, turbocharging and cooling systems. In 2005-2008, Tier 3/Stage IIIA further reduced emissions for non-road engines. These regulations were met through the use of ACERT Technology, which inte- grated advanced fuel systems, air systems and electronics into a broad line of newly developed engines. Tier 4 regulations demand such a dra- matic reduction in exhaust emissions that implementation has been divided into two phases: Tier 4 Interim and Tier 4 Final. Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB began in 2008 for engines rated below 56 kW (75 hp). Engines larger than that must meet Tier 4 Interim regulations beginning in 2011 and 2012, depending on their power category. The Interim regulations essentially provide manufacturers with a phase-in period to help them meet Tier 4 Final standards that take effect in as early as 2012. Tier 4 reduces NOx emissions by up to 50 percent and PM emissions by up to 90 percent from Tier 3/Stage IIIA levels. Caterpillar will build on the proven suc- cess of ACERT Technology to meet the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB regulations in each horsepower range. Japan’s MLIT Step 4 is roughly equiva- lent to Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission regulations. Tier 4 Final regulations begin as early as 2012 for some power categories. Engines >560 kW (751 hp) are required to be EPA Tier 4 Final compliant by Janu- ary 1, 2015. There are currently no EU emission limits for engines in this power category. Japan’s MLIT Step 4 is roughly equiva- lent to Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emission regulations. FLEX ALLOWANCES EPA regulations require engine manu- facturers to ensure that new engines introduced into commerce are certified to current emission standards. EPA has recognized that the transition from one Tier of emission standards to another can be challenging, especially for equipment manufacturers that must redesign their machines to accommodate the newly designed engine and its aftertreatment components. In response to these challeng- es, EPA created the Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers, often referred to as the “flex” program. This program allows a limited number of “flex” machines to be powered by engines that comply with EPA regulations by being built to a previ- ously certified configuration. Furthermore, if an equipment manu- facturer installs a Tier 4 Interim or Tier 4 Final engine in a piece of non-road equip- ment earlier than required, additional “incentive” flex allowances are generated, allowing additional equipment to meet the prior Tier standards. n Editor’s Note: This report is brought to you by Cody Eck, of Western States Equipment Company in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Eck partici- pated in a four-day training session on the EPA Emissions which was hosted by Caterpil- lar Inc. He can be contacted by phone at 208- 552-3407 or email at codyeck@wseco.com On the web: www.westernstatescat.com 16 Sugar Producer AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010