ECMA Conference for Off-Road Engines, a great success

ECMA, a Non-Profit Association working in the field of Emission Control Equipment for Automotive and Non-road Engines in India, hosted an International Off-Road Conference “Pathways to meet Future Emission Standards for Off-Road Engines” in New Delhi on September 3 and 4, 2012.

Mr. J.S. Kamyotra, Member Secy., Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), who was the Chief Guest, in his inaugural address, highlighted some of the difficulties that Indian cities have in meeting Air Quality Legislation and noted the need for good quality fuels in India. He also released the Technical Booklet as well as inaugurated the exhibition. The conference included presentations from Govt. Legislative Authorities, Indian Off-Road Industry, Suppliers, International Technocrats and ECMA Member companies, all contributed to make this conference a huge success.

Mr. John May representing AECC, Brussels, first gave the European perspective on Off-Road Emissions Legislation and this was followed by sessions on an emissions regulations roadmap for non-road/off-road vehicles in India; the role of the catalyst industry in future global off-road engine technology; achieving fuel efficiency and emissions reductions from tractors; and innovative/effective after treatment technologies for the off-road industry. In these sessions it was recorded that the main power band for India is up to 75 kW and that over 95% of off-road engines do not currently have electronics. Customer use (and abuse) parameters were highlighted as important by engine manufacturers. The need for SCR to meet future NOx limit values and the benefits of SCR on fuel economy were mentioned. Proposals to skip Stage IIIB emissions regulations and go straight from Stage IIIA to IV were suggested.

The second day of the conference started with a keynote presentation from Mr. P.K. Gupta of the Central Pollution Control Board, who provided the Indian perspective for off-road emissions, fuel, air quality legislation, summarizing current and near-future requirements for Construction Machinery, Gensets and Tractors. The following two sessions related to strategies and pathways to achieve future off-road norms.

In their presentation, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) noted that unlike Europe, crawler (tracked) vehicles are not covered by Indian Regulations. The level of global investment in R&D for off-road equipment and the large number of engine and machinery platforms affected by Tier 4 emissions standards were highlighted by one manufacturer whilst another said that off-road equipment was responsible for only 10% of NOx and 20% of PM, asking whether it is the right time for India to move to tighter off-road standards.

ECMA informed the August dignitaries regarding ECMA’s Learning Initiative Project “To create an innovation ecosystem for international research targeting Emission Control Technologies” wherein participants were Students and Academia from the leading Institutes in the country.

As per the guidelines, the participants whose Project is adjudged the best would make a presentation at this International forum. After evaluation of the research papers as a special case two candidates were selected in the first position. Ms. Femina J. Patel (Nirma University, Ahmedabad), and Ms. Pratichi Singh (BHU, Varanasi), presented their research papers / findings in this special session.

ECMA had rewarded the first position winners with a cheque of Rs. 1.00 lakh each and a citation and Mr. Pankaj N. Patil (ICT, Mumbai) came 3rd and was rewarded a cheque of Rs. 50,000 and a citation. In view of the encouraging feedback received from the Academia, ECMA has agreed to organize such Students Projects in future years as well.

The conference sessions then concluded with presentations on the topic of optimization of engine parameters to meet Bharat Stage II emissions norms for tractors and construction vehicles. The conference ended with Head ECMA Technical Committee summing up and briefing the participants about the highlights and outcome of each presentation made at this two day conference.

Participants highly appreciated the efforts put in by ECMA for organizing this conference specially dedicated to “Off-Road Industry”. The success of the conference was the Selection of Eminent Speakers, Technical Contents presented and a great opportunity for Networking with Technocrats from the Industry / Legislative Authorities at the Exhibition wherein Organizations show cased their Technological superiority in the field of ECT. Delegate’s feedback was that they look forward to such events in the future.