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Corning's Dr. Tim Johnson Keeps an Eye on Technology for Improved Air Quality

Dr. Tim Johnson is confident that there will be a clean, healthy environment for future generations because he believes in technology and long-term progress through innovation. As the director of emerging technologies and regulations for Corning Environmental Technologies, Johnson tracks global emissions control regulations, trends and the ‘cutting edge’ technologies that may help improve global air quality.

As the emissions-control industry is driven largely by governmental regulations and clean-air policies, Johnson serves as the link between the government, its agencies, industry representatives, and Corning’s Environmental Technologies segment, keeping an eye on trends and policies that might impact the industry and the company’s emissions control products business.

A highly regarded speaker and author, Johnson is renowned for his publications about emissions-control regulations, technologies and trends. He also edited a new book by the Society of Automotive Engineers that will serve as a reference to diesel particulate filter technology and trends.

We asked Tim to share his thoughts regarding global emissions regulations, the technology options available to help meet these regulations, the challenge of reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and the technologies that may enable NOx control.

Could you provide a snapshot of where diesel emissions regulations stand today?

Tim Johnson: Diesel and its emissions control are of growing interest, worldwide. As a mainstay of the freight industry, diesel engines are a necessary technology, but they are also gaining ground in other applications like passenger cars and small pickup trucks (light-duty vehicles).

As for emissions regulations, industries are currently reducing emissions to levels that were unimaginable 10 years ago. In the near future, diesel engines will be as clean, if not cleaner, than gasoline or natural gas engines in many aspects.

How do regulations impact Corning and other companies in the emissions control industry?

Tim Johnson: Very directly. The previously mentioned regulations and other related emissions control standards that are being developed around the world help define future exhaust emission control system technology (aftertreatment) and requirements. That impacts research and development within the industry, as well as sales of current emissions control technology products. Continuous improvement is being demanded by the regulations and by customers. Technology is developing very rapidly as a result.

What technologies will be used to help heavy-duty vehicles meet the U.S. 2010 NOx regulations and how do Corning’s products fit into the picture?

Tim Johnson: There are a number of options for meeting heavy-duty diesel U.S. 2010 NOx requirements. The most likely approach is to use engines with incremental improvements added to U. S. 2007 regulatory technologies. Added to this engine technology will be the appropriate NOx control technology based on Corning Celcor® substrates. Selective catalytic reduction technology (SCR) is likely to be the choice of the fuel-sensitive applications. SCR can help reach a NOx removal efficiency of 80-85% without imparting a fuel penalty. More advanced technologies can also help reduce NOx emissions even further.

Are light-duty diesels, such as passenger cars and smaller pickup trucks, impacted by the NOx reduction regulations?

Tim Johnson: NOx aftertreatment is essential for maintaining our air quality, but engine type will determine requirements. Euro 5 regulations appear attainable without additional NOx aftertreatment technology. However, larger cars will need NOx aftertreatment to comply with Euro 6, 2009 early incentives. Japan 2009 requirements also have strong potential to be attainable without NOx aftertreatment.