Abstract

This project examined estimated emission reductions from implementing advanced control technologies in heavy duty diesel engines and to assess potential emission impacts from trucks supporting the High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing (HVHF) industry in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Marcellus Shale Formation. Models were run examining mitigation strategies, including retrofit devices and alternative fuel strategies. Results compare estimated emissions associated with current HVHF truck transportation and potential emission reductions from control technologies. Models utilized the Geospatial Intermodal Freight Transport (GIFT) model. Results suggest that while some retrofits, such as diesel particulate filters, are able to reach emissions reductions comparable to newly manufactured vehicles MY2007 and maintain their economic viability, other devices, such as those to remove NOx, while cost effective, are not able to achieve target emissions reductions alone. This suggests that retrofits should act as a component of a comprehensive vehicle emission reduction plan. Several assumptions were made in the modelling process. Engine operating conditions were assumed to remain constant in this study. For a more accurate profile, factors influencing engine performance such as weather, road quality, and engine load should be examined further. There were no cumulative effects of retrofits examined in this study, but fleets often couple devices for additional environmental benefits. Finally a more updated set of in-use emissions factors used in the baseline model are needed. The data used here were the best publically available at the time (2008 EPA Average In-use Rates). These inputs provide a potential source of error, as the in-use emissions assumed here may not accurately represent the current (2011-2013) state of trucking fleets used in the model. To create the most accurate profile possible, these factors need to be examined regionally and a more recent set of in-use emission variables need to be used in the modeling stage.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Diesel motor exhaust gas--Measurement; Hydraulic fracturing--Environmental aspects--Pennsylvania

Publication Date

5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Environmental Science (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences (COS)

Advisor

Karl Korfmacher

Advisor/Committee Member

James Winebrake

Advisor/Committee Member

J. Scott Hawker

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at TD886.8 .Z69 2016

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ENVS-MS

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