SwRI has announced the launch of its fourth co-operative research programme aimed at reducing emissions from diesel engines.

The four-year programme is intended to support improvements in diesel technology ahead of the US Environmental Protection Agency's 2010 targets.

The primary objective is to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to 0.2 g/hp-hr and particulates (PM) to 0.01 g/hp-hr. Consortium participants will determine which projects will be undertaken during the program from a number of Institute-suggested areas of interest.

Possible projects include the development of stoichiometric diesel engines with three-way catalysts and variable area injection nozzles, direct in-cylinder urea injection, and determination of lubricant oil impact on particulate production.

Companies taking part will be invited to attend Clean Diesel IV in November, which will officially launch the new programme.