Factory emissions
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "factory emissions"
Factory Emissions: Analyzing the Impact and Mitigation Strategies
China's Manufacturing Economy and GHG Emissions
China, often referred to as "the world's factory," has a manufacturing economy that significantly contributes to its energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2012, nearly three-quarters of China's energy-related GHG emissions were linked to the manufacturing industry, either directly or indirectly. This includes over two-fifths of the national methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, driven primarily by exports and capital formation. The manufacturing sectors also play a crucial role as intermediate transmission nodes for embodied emissions in other industries such as construction and services, with more than 80% and 40% of the embodied emissions in these sectors related to the intermediate uses of manufacturing products, respectively.
Diesel Engine Emissions and Regulatory Measures
Diesel engines emit several hundred chemical compounds, both as gases and particles. Over time, the composition of diesel exhaust has evolved, leading to a distinction between "traditional" and "new technology" diesel emissions. New technology diesel engines, compliant with EURO 3 and higher standards, have significantly reduced particle emissions but have led to increased nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. The introduction of the worldwide harmonized light vehicles test procedure (WLTP) in 2017 aimed to simulate emissions under various driving conditions, becoming mandatory for all new vehicles by September 2018. These regulations have significantly reduced emissions from diesel and gasoline-driven cars, making their emissions almost similar since the EURO 6 regulation in 2014.
Real-World Emissions from Non-Road Mobile Machinery
In London, the construction sector is a major contributor to atmospheric emissions, accounting for 34% of total PM10 and 7% of total NOx emissions. Real-world emission tests on construction machinery revealed that older engines (Stage III-A and III-B) had higher NOx emissions compared to newer engines (Stage IV), which benefited from advanced engine management systems and exhaust after-treatment. However, some Stage IV machines still emitted NOx levels similar to older engines due to failures in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, detectable only through portable emission measurement systems (PEMS). CO2 emissions also varied, with Stage III-B machines emitting the lowest levels compared to Stage III-A and Stage IV machines.
Emissions from Medium Duty Diesel Trucks
Medium duty diesel trucks equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and operating under real-world conditions show varying emission levels. While nitrogen oxides (NOx) levels often exceeded Euro standard limits, carbon monoxide (CO), total hydrocarbons (THC), and particulate matter (PM) levels remained within limits. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR)-equipped Euro V vehicles emitted more NOx than their non-SCR counterparts. Additionally, DPF regeneration events increased THC and PM emissions by 8.1% and 29%, respectively, for Euro VI vehicles.
Conclusion
Factory emissions, particularly from manufacturing and diesel engines, significantly impact global GHG levels. China's manufacturing economy is a major contributor to its national emissions, while regulatory measures in Europe have aimed to reduce emissions from diesel engines. Real-world emission tests highlight the importance of advanced emission control technologies and the need for continuous monitoring to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Addressing these emissions through targeted regulations and technological advancements is crucial for mitigating their environmental impact.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic