RSI/CMA 2018

Chair Corey Ruch, BNSF

1. Proposal to Change Net Heat of Combustion for AAR RP-589 Locomotive Fuel Economy Calculations-Steve Fritz, Southwest Research Institute

• Abstract – The LMOA Fuels, Lubricants, and Environment Committee recommends that RP-589 specify Net Heat of Combustion for diesel fuel heating value correction. The current specification is to use the Gross Heat of Combustion.
  
  Background – AAR RP-589 “Rating for Specific Fuel Consumption of Diesel Electric Locomotives” is under review by a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) within the AAR Locomotive Committee.
  
  Historically, RP-589 used the Gross Heat of Combustion (a.k.a., Higher Heating Value) for diesel fuel heating value corrections to specific fuel consumption (SFC)
  
  Net Heat of Combustion is technically-correct SFC corrections – and is used by most other engine standards.
  
  Current diesel fuel trends are for larger variations in hydrogen mass fraction (ULSD, biodiesel, HDRD, etc.), resulting in wider variations the difference between Gross Heat of Combustion and Net Heat of Combustion.
  
  Conclusion – Diesel fuels used by railroads are changing and Net Heat of Combustion is a more appropriate metric to correct specific fuel consumption.
  
  Recommendation – RP-589 should specify Net Heat of Combustion for diesel fuel heating value corrections to specific fuel consumption.

1. SCR Systems for Locomotive NOx Control-Kelle Ravn, Cummins

• Abstract – T4 locomotive and maintenance of way (MOW) engines with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) are increasingly being placed into service. Mainly in new passenger locomotives and MOW equipment. Also appearing in passenger locomotive repowers, high horsepower freight locomotive repowers, and switcher/medium horsepower locomotives repowers.
  
  Background –Tier 4 emission levels requires significant technology advancements, SCR is one of them. SCR requires diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), a DEF dosing pump system, and a freeze prevention method/heating circuit for DEF storage (wayside and on application).
  
  Conclusion – There are a handful of locomotive and MOW applications in operation today that use SCR and the numbers are increasing.
  
  Recommendation –SCR will become more prevalent in the locomotive and rail industry and adaptations will be required for handling and storing DEF, and maintaining systems

1. X-Ray CT Scanning of Diesel Fuel Injectors-Keith Bartels, Southwest Research Institute

• Abstract – Industrial X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) is a powerful nondestructive technique used to inspect internal structures and components. The resulting 3D images can be used for defect detection, metrology, foreign material detection, and other applications. This paper includes a case study in detailed inspection of GE FDL and EMD MUI diesel locomotive fuel injector tip inspections, including metrology with a resolution on the order of 10 microns, identifying and quantifying internal material loss and pitting, and identifying internal injector deposits.
  
  Background – Internal part inspection often involves destructive testing – having to cut parts for internal measurements. Often gaining access to make measurements affects what you are trying to measure/quantify
  Example – deposits within the tip of a diesel fuel injector Complex internal shapes pose challenges in metrology.
  
  Conclusion – X-ray CT is a powerful nondestructive way to visualize and quantify internal structures.
  
  Recommendation – Become familiar with X-ray CT capabilities, and add it to your diagnostic and evaluation tool kit.