Research institute wins EPA contract for emissions testing

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been awarded a five-year contract, worth US$20.16 million, by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide testing and analytic services for vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.

Testing capabilities

Key areas of support include emissions characterisation and technology assessment. SwRI is able to develop test procedures and equipment for regulated and unregulated emissions in light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and components, as well as marine, railway, aircraft, small engine, and other non-highway propulsion systems.

Commenting on the news, Patrick Merritt, Prinipal Scientist in the Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Division, said: “The scope of this contract is quite broad. It encompasses 25 areas, from fuels and lubricants to engine and emissions characterisations, as well as economic studies, general rule-making support, and coordinating peer review meetings.”

LNG evaluation

SwRI can evaluate all types of fuels and additives, including conventional and reformulated gasoline and diesel fuels; alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol, CNG, LNG, LPG, hydrogen and blends of hydrocarbon fuels; and electricity.

The contract also calls for evaluating vehicles to ensure compliance with current emissions and other regulatory requirements.

Diverse expertise

“We believe one of the key reasons the Institute received the award is our ability to respond quickly on short notice. Our long history and extensive expertise in all of these areas means we can provide the support requested in a very timely manner. The contract touches nearly all areas of the Institute’s Office of Automotive Engineering. Our diverse expertise enables us to perform these science, engineering, and support functions here rather than assembling a team from different laboratories,” Merritt concluded.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/25022015/swri-wins-epa-contract-for-emissions-testing-313/