Nett Technologies Inc. has received verification from the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for its proprietary advanced BlueCAT 200™ and BlueCAT 300™ Closed-Loop Catalyst Systems for engines manufactured between 1980 and 2003. The BlueCAT 300 is verified at 1.0g/bhp-hr (1.3g/kW-hr) of NO_x + HC for engines below 3.0 liters and at 2.0gbhp-hr (2.7 g/kW-hr) of NO_x + HC for engines above 3.0 liters. The BlueCAT 200 is verified at 1.5g/bhp-hr (2.0 g/kW-hr) of NO_x+ HC for engines below 2.5 liters. The Nett BlueCAT systems are the first and only Off-Road LSI-2 Level 3a devices verified by the California ARB for engines manufactured between 1980 and 1989.

The California ARB has verified the Nett BlueCAT 200/300™ systems for its mobile sources LSI-2 measure. The verification covers specific LSI (large spark ignited [over 25 hp]) engines, model years 1980 through 2001 used in unregulated off-road applications operating on propane (LPG) fuel. Model years 2001 through 2003 are also covered for non-complying phase-in engines. The BlueCAT™ Closed-Loop Catalyst Systems employ high performance 3-way catalytic converters and dynamic digital air-fuel ratio controllers to reduce emissions of uncontrolled engines consistent with a Level 3a classification. Specific engine criteria for which the BlueCAT™ systems have been approved may be found in Executive Orders G-09-011, G-09-012 and G-09-013, which are currently posted on the California ARB website (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/offroad/orspark/verdev.htm).

The California ARB’s off-road LSI measures are primarily targeted towards forklifts but also include other LSI engine powered equipment. The engines used in the majority of these applications are similar to or derived from early 1980s automobile engines. NO_x (oxides of nitrogen) and HC (hydrocarbons) emissions from these engines are considerably higher than that of today’s automobiles. It is these NO_x and HC emissions that contribute most strongly to the formation of smog, often visible in large urban centers. Smog is also a significant health concern as it can inflame breathing passages, and can cause eye and nose irritation, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. The reduction in NO_x and HC emissions from LSI engines may improve working conditions inside buildings as well as reducing smog formation in the environment.

3-Way Catalytic converters, such as used in Nett’s BlueCAT™ systems, work by converting harmful NO_x, HC and CO (carbon monoxide) emissions into CO₂ (carbon dioxide) and water. For a 3-way catalytic converter to achieve maximum reductions, the relative amounts of NO_x, HC and CO emissions must balance. These emissions are balanced when the engine operates at a specific air/fuel mixture called the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. Modern automobiles use fuel injection and on-board computers to keep the engine at the stoichiometric ratio, whereas off-road LSI engines in use today are not as sophisticated. Nett’s BlueCAT™ systems use digital air-fuel ratio controllers which incorporate oxygen sensors, solenoids and electronic controllers to maintain off-road LSI engines at stoichiometric. When paired with the high performance catalytic converters used in the BlueCAT™ systems, emissions reductions are maximized.

BlueCAT™ catalytic converters are most often configured as catalytic mufflers which are exact-fit replacements for the original equipment mufflers. Due to the limited space in the engine compartment of most LSI powered equipment, placing the catalytic converter inside the muffler is often the only solution. Since the mufflers are exact replacements, installation is simple and convenient. Nett has over 5,000 muffler designs for virtually any type or model of equipment. The BlueCAT™ air-fuel ratio controllers feature a built-in diagnostic function which allows constant visual monitoring of the engine’s fuel system by the operator and/or service technician. Such innovative technology eliminates the costly requirement for additional calibration monitors.

Information on California Air Resources Board (ARB)

California’s Legislature established the Air Resources Board (ARB) in 1967 to:

1. Attain and maintain healthy air quality.
2. Conduct research into the causes of and solutions to air pollution.
3. Systematically attack the serious problem caused by motor vehicles, which are the major causes of air pollution in the State.

For more information, please visit the California ARB’s website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm