Effective control of highway vehicle hydrocarbon emissions
Over the last ten years, the Environmental Protection Agency has been considering the control of motor vehicle refueling emissions on a national level. These emissions result from the displacement of hydrocarbon vapors, present in a nearly empty fuel tank, as fresh fuel is added. It is estimated that these emissions can account for about one percent of the national hydrocarbon emissions inventory. During the time EPA has been in the process of evaluating national control of refueling emissions, the average volatility of commercial grade summer time gasoline has been increasing in the market place in the United States from levels of around 9 pounds per square inch (psi) Reid vapor pressure (Rvp) to more current levels in the 11.5 psi Rvp range. Based on EPA's MOBILE4 model, reducing gasoline volatility from 11.5 to 9.0 psi Rvp at a test temperature of 72-96{degree}F would reduce passenger car total hydrocarbon emissions by 38%. Potential reductions of this magnitude are worth investigating, especially because EPA estimates they could be achieved at a relatively low cost. Even at 60-84{degree}F, reductions of about 31% appear possible from an analysis of these data. In March 1989, EPA promulgated a nationwide rule for the reduction of gasoline volatility beginning in the summer of 1989. Volatility will be controlled initially to 110.5 psi Rvp in the largest market area. The Agency can approve tighter state limits on the Rvp of fuel if such action can be justified as part of an EPA-approved State Implementation Plan. In fact, EPA has already approved 9.0 Rvp limits in certain northeastern states, and California has had a 9.0 Rvp regulation in force for some time.
- OSTI ID:
- 5188163
- Journal Information:
- JAPCA, International Journal of Air Pollution Control and Waste Management; (USA), Vol. 39:6; ISSN 0894-0630
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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POLICY AND ECONOMY
GASOLINE
VOLATILITY
HYDROCARBONS
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
VEHICLES
EXHAUST GASES
AIR POLLUTION
COST
IMPLEMENTATION
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
US EPA
CONTROL
FLUIDS
FUELS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
LIQUID FUELS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
REGULATIONS
US ORGANIZATIONS
WASTES
290300* - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
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