Opacity Test - Locomotive Engine

The Alton Southern Railroad opacity test using unit 1502 were completed Wednesday, June 19, 2002.  The rack on the 1502 was adjusted in order to obtain the same horsepower we had for the pre-test of April 16, 2002.  The chart below compares the percentage of particulates being emitted before and after RxP was added.

At notch 8, 6, and 4, we took five (5) readings one minute apart.  These readings were averaged, but we also calculated the range of these readings (the smaller the range the more consistent the output).

Rear Stack

April 16, 2002

June 19, 2002

Percent of Change

 

Average Reading

Average Reading

 

Notch 8

10.6% (Range 3.8%)

5.7% (Range 1.3%)

-46.3%

Notch 6

5.4% (Range .2%)

3.6% (Range .3%)

-33.3%

Notch 4

5.2% (Range .2%)

3.2% (Range .1%)

-38.5%

Front Stack

April 16, 2002

June 19, 2002

Percent of Change

 

Average Reading

Average Reading

 

Notch 8

11.5% (Range 2.6%)

8.4% (Range 1.7%)

-27%

Notch 6

7.4% (Range .1%)

7.4% (Range .2%)

-0-

Notch 4

6.5% (Range .2%)

5.8% (Range .2%)

-10.8%

Overall, RxP decreased the amount of particulates emitting from the stacks by an average of 26%.  It should be noted that RxP was not added to the fuel consistently in the amounts specified.