SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE ®

6220 CULEBRA ROAD i POST OFFICE DRAWER 28510 i SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, USA 78228-0510 i (210) 684-5111 i WWW.SWRI.ORG 

HTTP://ENGINEANDVEHICLE .SWRI.ORG

ENGINE, EMISSIONS, AND VEHICLE RESEARCH DIVISION ISO 9001 CERTIFIED

FAX: (210) 522-3950 ISO 14001 Certified 

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 

HOUSTON, TEXAS i WASHINGTON, DC 

July 15, 2009 

Brian H. West 

Fuels, Engines, and Emissions Research Center 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

NTRC Building 

2360 Cherahala Boulevard 

Knoxville, TN 37932 

Subject: Monthly Progress Report No. 9 for the Period June 1, through June 30, 2009; for the 

program, "Catalyst Screening and Durability for Intermediate Ethanol Blends," UTBattelle/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Subcontract No. 4000071456, SwRI Project 

03.14530. 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

 The objective of this project is to help quantify emissions system durability of E15 and 

E20 on the US fleet. Specifically, this project will study the effects of ethanol blends on openloop stoichiometry and resulting catalyst and oxygen sensor temperatures. This project will also 

generate valuable data on vehicle emissions and performance. 

Vehicles selected for this study will include a wide range of manufacturers across several 

model years. Some of the vehicles that will be tested include vehicles that have been identified 

as having leaner and hotter operation on ethanol blends than on gasoline when in wide-open 

throttle (WOT) open-loop operation. Other vehicles will be tested because of their large 

numbers in the in-use vehicle fleet. New vehicles with unknown open-loop fuel control at WOT 

may also be selected. 

 In this project, SwRI will age vehicles and emission control systems operating on three 

levels of ethanol blended fuels (E10, E15, and E20) and compare emissions and vehicle 

performance to similar vehicles operating on the base gasoline (E0). Vehicle service 

accumulation and emissions testing are to be performed on multiple sets of matched vehicles. 

For each matched set, vehicles are to be aged and emissions tested on the four fuel blends (E0, 

E10, E15, and E20). Emissions testing will be performed at three added service accumulation 

levels: 0 miles (start of service accumulation), between 25,000 and 50,000 miles (mid service 

accumulation level), and at the end of the vehicle’s full-useful life (nominally 120,000 miles). 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

July 15, 2009 

Page 2 of 4 

2.0 PROGRESS FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1-30, 2009 

2.1 Honda Accords, Chevrolet Silverados, and Nissan Altimas 

The Honda Accord and Nissan Altima vehicle sets continued their service accumulation 

on the SwRI Mileage Accumulation Dynamometers this reporting period. The Chevrolet 

Silverado vehicle set completed 50,000 miles of service accumulation during the previous 

reporting period. Emissions testing began this period on the Silverado vehicle set, but was 

curtailed due to emissions equipment service and calibration checks. Silverado emissions and 

wide-open-throttle (WOT) testing is scheduled to resume next month. 

 Short- and long-term fuel trim data, along with lubricating oil change interval history to 

date, is given in Appendix A for the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima vehicle sets. Graphs of 

vehicle oil consumption are provided in Appendix B. 

2.2 Ford Taurus’ 

 The Ford Taurus vehicle set continued its preparation for emissions testing and service 

accumulation this past reporting period. The instrumented exhaust manifold approach to 

collecting exhaust system lambda and temperature data was approved by Oak Ridge and CRC. 

Taurus vehicle set preparation is expected to be completed in July. The Taurus’ have begun 

exhaust manifold machining and manifold installation onto the vehicles. 

2.3 Vehicle Procurement – Dodge Caravans 

Southwest Research Institute took delivery of the four matching 2007 Dodge Caravan 

minivans equipped with 3.3L V-6 engines early in June. These vehicles have begun set-up for 

project testing and are scheduled for exhaust system instrumentation and initial emissions and 

WOT testing in July. It is expected that the Caravan vehicle set will begin emissions testing 

ahead of the Ford Taurus vehicle set. Dodge Caravan vehicle specifications are provided in 

Appendix C. A photograph of the Dodge Caravans is given in Figure 1. 

2.4 Data Format and Archiving 

 Data format and archiving activities previously reported continued this reporting period. 

All previously obtained emissions test data has been reformatted and stored in project test 

folders. Data presentation development and a review of the emissions limits of quantification 

(LOQ) and the limits of detection (LOD) will continue into the next reporting period. 

2.5 Project Review Meeting held on June 17, 2009 

 A technical project review meeting was held on June 17, 2009, for Oak Ridge and CRC 

project committee members in San Antonio, Texas. The meeting covered the technical progress 

of the vehicle sets tested to date, including FTP emissions test results, the WOT performance test 

data, vehicle service accumulation, fuel blending activities, and data format and archiving 

development. Several Oak Ridge/ CRC project committee members participated by telephone 

and video conference. Detailed meeting minutes are provided in Appendix D. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

July 15, 2009 

Page 3 of 4 

FIGURE 1. 2007 DODGE CARAVAN VEHICLE SET 

3.0 WORK PLANNED FOR THE NEXT REPORTING PERIOD 

 The Silverado vehicle set will be re-scheduled for mid-level (50,000 test mile) WOT 

performance and FTP emissions tests with emissions test fuels E0, E10, E15, and E20 following 

emissions systems service and calibration. The additional WOT performance tests previously 

requested will be included. 

 The Honda Accords will finish their vehicle service accumulation to full-useful life on 

RE0, RE15, and RE20 fuels. These vehicles will undergo full-useful life emissions tests after 

other vehicle sets are emissions tested and set-up on the SwRI Mileage Accumulation 

Dynamometers. Vehicle ORHA10B will continue its service accumulation to 50,000 test miles 

on RE10 fuel, and then begin its emissions testing. Following emissions testing, an additional 

SwRI Mileage Accumulation Dynamometer will be dedicated to Oak Ridge/CRC for vehicle 

ORHA10B when it is ready to begin service accumulation to full-useful life. 

 The Nissan Altimas will continue service accumulation on the Mileage Accumulation 

Dynamometers. Altima vehicle service accumulation will continue through July. 

 The Ford Taurus vehicle set will continue to be instrumented for temperature and lambda 

measurement. Federal Test Procedure emissions and WOT performance testing will likely begin 

in August. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

July 15, 2009 

Page 4 of 4 

 The four 2007 Dodge Caravans will begin vehicle emissions and WOT testing. Data 

archiving and spreadsheet development will continue. Data presentation and archiving for 

statistical analysis will be developed in conjunction with John Orban at Battelle Institute. 

4.0 CONCLUSION 

 If you have any questions regarding this project report, please contact Marty Heimrich at 

(210) 522-3022 or by e-mail at mheimrich@swri.org. 

Prepared by: Reviewed by: 

 

Martin J. Heimrich Jeff J. White 

Manager Director 

Department of Emissions Research Department of Emissions Research 

 and Development and Development 

/sat 

cc: Brent Shoffner, SwRI 

 Kevin Brunner, SwRI 

This report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of Southwest Research Institute®. 

Results and discussion given in this report relate only to the test items described in this report. 
APPENDIX A 

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM FUEL TRIM MEASUREMENTS 

AND 

OIL CHANGE INTERVAL HISTORY 

Vehicle Sets

Honda Accord 

Nissan Altima 
A-1 

Honda AccordLong Term Fuel Trim

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Average 

Drive

Engine 

codes? 

31,686 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

After Zero Mile Emisions (E20 WOT) 1/20/2009 32,026 340 E20 3.9 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 5.4 4.63 NoApprox. 2,222 miles SRC w/E0 2/5/2009 34,248 2,562 E0 0.7 0.8 0.75Oil Change 1 2/26/2009 38,603 6,917 E0 0.0 0.7 0.7 1.5 0.7 1.5 0.73 NoOil Change 2 3/9/2009 45,947 14,261 E0 -6.2 -6.2 -6.2 -7.0 -6.2 -7.0 -6.40 NoDuring mileage accumulation audit 3/12/2009 48,609 16,923 E0 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.50 NoOil Change 3 3/17/2009 53,291 21,605 E0 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 0.8 0.8 1.20 NoOil Change 4 3/25/2009 60,516 28,830 E0 1.6 1.6 2.3 2.3 1.6 1.6 1.60 NoOil Change 5 4/2/2009 68,222 36,536 E0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.8 0.40 NoOil Change 6 4/9/2009 75,460 43,774 E0 3.9 4.6 3.9 3.9 2.3 3.9 3.68 NoOil Change 7 5/4/2009 82,394 50,708 E0 -0.8 -1.6 -0.8 -1.6 -0.8 -1.6 -1.20 NoOil Change 8 5/11/2009 88,702 57,016 E0 -3.1 -3.1 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -2.30 NoOil Change 9 5/18/2009 95,096 63,410 E0 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.18 NoOil Change 10 5/26/2009 101,884 70,198 E0 -1.5 -0.7 -1.5 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.90 NoOil Change 11 6/5/2009 108,609 76,923 E0 1.5 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.90 NoOil Change 12 6/15/2009 115,233 83,547 E0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00 No

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Average 

Drive

Engine 

codes? 

32,281 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As-received (Initial) 4/6/2009 32,281 0 As-recd -15.6 -16.4 -15.6 -16.4 -14.8 -16.4 -15.80 NoAs-received after oil change 4/6/2009 32,281 0 As-recd -12.5 -12.5 -11.7 -12.5 -10.9 -10.9 -11.70 NoOil Change 1 5/12/2009 39,595 7,314 E10 -3.9 -3.9 -3.1 -3.1 -3.1 -3.1 -3.50 NoOil Change 2 5/21/2009 47,088 14,807 E10 -3.9 -3.1 -3.9 -3.9 -3.1 -3.1 -3.30 NoOil Change 3 5/29/2009 54,643 22,362 E10 0.0 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.53 NoOil Change 4 6/5/2009 61,943 29,662 E10 3.9 4.6 2.3 3.1 1.5 2.3 3.08 NoOil Change 5 6/15/2009 69,237 36,956 E10 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.40 NoOil Change 6 6/23/2009 76,475 44,194 E10 -1.5 -0.7 -0.7 0.0 -1.5 -0.7 -1.10

ORHA0

Idle in Drive Idle in ParkIdle in Drive Idle in Park Idle in Drive

Idle in Drive

ORHA10B
A-2 

Honda AccordLong Term Fuel Trim

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Average 

Drive

Engine 

codes? 

31,369 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

After Zero Mile Emisions (E10 FTP-75) 2/16/2009 31,777 408 EO -14.8 -17.1 -17.9 -18.7 -16.4 -20.3 -17.15 Yes 02 

Oil Change 1 3/4/2009 39,220 7,851 E15 -3.9 -4.6 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 -4.08 NoOil Change 2 3/13/2009 47,111 15,742 E15 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.60 NoOil Change 3 3/23/2009 55,034 23,665 E15 0.7 1.5 0.7 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.30 NoOil Change 4 3/1/3109 62,333 30,964 E15 4.7 4.7 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.3 5.30 NoOil Change 5 4/8/2009 70,039 38,670 E15 7.0 7.0 6.2 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.00 NoOil Change 6 4/15/2009 77,277 45,908 E15 8.8 10.1 8.5 9.3 8.5 9.3 9.18 NoOil Change 7 5/11/2009 84,211 52,842 E15 3.9 3.9 3.1 3.9 3.1 3.9 3.70 NoOil Change 8 5/21/2009 90,520 59151 E15 3.9 4.6 3.9 4.6 3.1 3.9 3.88 NoOil Change 9 6/2/2009 96,913 65544 E15 3.9 4.6 3.9 4.6 3.9 4.6 4.25 NoOil Change 10 6/9/2009 103,701 72332 E15 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.5 0.7 1.5 0.90 NoOil Change 11 6/18/2009 110,419 79050 E15 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.3 1.5 1.5 1.50 No

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Average 

Drive

Engine 

codes? 

34,383 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

After Zero Mile Emisions (E10 FTP-75) 2/6/2009 34,842 459 E20 2.3 2.3 3.1 3.9 2.3 2.3 2.30 Yes

P1) 

Oil Change 1 3/3/2009 41,556 7,173 E20 6.2 7.0 7.0 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.20 NoOil Change 2 3/11/2009 48,726 14,343 E20 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 5.5 4.90Oil Change 3 3/19/2009 56,199 21,816 E20 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.50 NoOil Change 4 2/27/2009 63,481 29,098 E20 4.7 5.5 5.5 4.7 5.5 4.7 5.10 NoOil Change 5 4/4/2009 71,187 36,804 E20 6.2 7.0 6.2 6.2 6.2 7.0 6.60 NoOil Change 6 4/11/2009 78,425 44,042 E20 10.9 11.7 10.1 10.1 10.9 10.9 11.10 NoOil Change 7 5/5/2009 85,359 50,976 E20 3.1 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.70 NoOil Change 8 5/12/2009 91,667 57,284 E20 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.7 4.7 4.30 NoOil Change 9 5/26/2009 98,061 63,678 E20 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.3 1.5 1.5 1.50 NoOil Change 10 6/3/2009 104,855 70,472 E20 8.5 9.3 7.8 8.5 7.8 8.5 8.53 NoOil Change 11 6/1109 111,567 77,184 E20 4.7 4.7 4.7 5.5 4.7 5.5 4.90 NoOil Change 12 6/18/2009 118,198 83,815 E20 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 3.9 4.7 4.50 No

Idle in Drive Idle in DriveIdle in Drive Idle in Drive Idle in Park

ORHA15ORHA20
A-3 

2008 Nissan AltimaLong Term fuel Trim

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Average 

Drive

Engine 

codes? 

19,284 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As Received 2/10/2009 19,264 As-recd As-recd -2.3 -2.3 -2.3 -2.3 -2.3 -2.3 -2.30 NoOil Change 1 5/26/2009 26,784 7,500 E0 -7.8 -7.8 -7.0 -7.0 -7.8 -7.8 -7.80 NoOil Change 2 6/6/2009 34,284 15,000 E0 -9.3 -9.3 -7.0 -7.0 -7.0 -7.0 -8.15 NoOil Change 3 6/15/2009 41,784 22,500 E0 -7.0 -7.0 -8.5 -7.0 -8.5 -8.5 -7.75 NoOil Change 4 6/24/2009 49,284 30,000 E0 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.40 No

Pco

Oil Change 5 7/2/2009 56,784 37,500 E0 -9.3 -9.3 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -9.3 -9.10 No In

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Average 

Drive

Engine 

codes? 

19,524 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As-Received 2/10/2009 19,518 As-recd As-recd -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.40 NoOil Change 1 6/1/2009 27,024 7,500 E10 -0.7 -0.7 -1.5 -1.5 -0.7 -0.7 -0.70 NoOil Change 2 6/9/2009 34,524 15,000 E10 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.50 NoOil Change 3 6/17/2009 42,024 22,500 E10 -2.3 -2.3 -3.1 -3.1 -2.3 -2.3 -2.30 NoOil Change 4 6/27/2009 49,524 30,000 E10 -5.4 -5.4 -3.9 -3.9 -5.4 -5.4 -5.40 No In

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Average 

Drive

Engine 

codes? 

9,950 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As-Received 2/10/2009 9,935 As-recd As-recd -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.40 NoOil Change 1 6/9/2009 17,450 7,500 E15 -0.7 -0.7 0.0 0.0 -0.7 -0.7 -0.70 NoOil Change 2 6/19/2009 24,950 15,000 E15 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.9 3.9 3.9 1.95 NoOil Change 3 6/29/2009 32,450 22,500 E15 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 -1.5 -1.5 0.80 No In

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Average 

Drive

Engine 

codes? 

10,307 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As-Received 2/10/2009 10,296 As-recd As-recd -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.50 NoOil Change 1 6/12/2009 17,807 7,500 E20 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00 NoOil Change 2 6/20/2009 25,307 15,000 E20 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00 NoOil Change 3 6/29/2009 32,807 22,500 E20 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.70 No In

ORNA0

Idle in ParkIdle in ParkIdle in Park

ORNA10

Idle in Drive

ORNA15

Idle in Drive

Idle in Drive Idle in Drive

Idle in Drive

ORNA20

Idle in DriveIdle in Drive Idle in Park Idle in Drive
APPENDIX B 

OIL CONSUMPTION HISTORY GRAPHS 

Vehicle Sets

Honda Accord 

Nissan Altima
B-1 

2007 Honda Accord Oil Consumption

02468

101214161820

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 

Test Miles

Total Oil Consumption (lbs.) 

ORHA0 ORHA10 ORHA15 ORHA20 ORHA10B
B-2 

Nissan Altima Oil Consumption

012345678

0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 

Test Miles

Total Oil Consumption (lbs.) 

ORNA0 ORNA10 ORNA15 ORNA20
APPENDIX C 

DODGE CARAVAN VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 
C-1 

Dodge Caravan Vehicle Group Test Specifications

ORDC0 ORDC10 ORDC15 ORDC20

Vehicle make Dodge Dodge Dodge Dodge

Vehicle model Caravan Caravan Caravan Caravan

Model year 2007 2007 2007 2007

VIN 1D4GP24R67B186773 1D4GP24RX7B138127 1D4GP24R07B137987 1D4GP24R77B138117

Tire size (wheel size) P215/70R15 P215/70R15 P215/70R15 P215/70R15

Tire manufacturer Firestone Firestone Firestone Firestone

Tire pressure specification 36 psi 36 psi 36 psi 36 psi

Steel or alloy wheels Steel Steel Steel Steel

Odometer 46,467 44,721 40,024 45,080

Engine code (Engine family) 7CRXT03.8NEO 7CRXT03.8NEO 7CRXT03.8NEO 7CRXT03.8NEO

Engine evap code 7CRXR0177GHA 7CRXR0177GHA 7CRXR0177GHA 7CRXR0177GHA

Engine displacement and 

configuration 3.3L / V6 3.3L / V6 3.3L / V6 3.3L / V6

Climate control/ std air cond. STD STD STD STD

Head lamps (std. Or Xenon) STD STD STD STD

State insp. Expiration date May-2010 May-2010 May-2010 May-2010

License plate expiration date None None None None

Is there a license plate in front 

and rear? No No No No

License Plate Number N/A N/A N/A N/A

Transmission Auto - 4 Speed Auto - 4 Speed Auto - 4 Speed Auto - 4 Speed

Two-wheel or four wheel drive 2wd 2wd 2wd 2wd

Axle Ratio

Axle – Open carrier or limited 

slip Open Carrier Open Carrier Open Carrier Open Carrier

Calibration ID #1 05187657AD 05187657AD 05187657AD 05187657AD

Calibration Version #1 CVN01:878AC361 CVN01:878AC361 CVN01:878AC361 CVN01:878AC361

Calibration ID #2 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Calibration Version #2 CVN01:49728AEF CVN01:49728AEF CVN01:49728AEF CVN01:49728AEF

Calibration ID #3 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Calibration Version #3 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Calibration ID #4 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Calibration Version #4 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Record existing PCM codes PO700 PO700 None None

Clear codes with approval of 

project manager. N/A N/A N/A N/A

Exhaust Aftertreatment - 

Number of catalytic converters 1111

With vehicle at idle place red 

rag over the end of the tailpipe 

and look for exhaust leaks None None None None
APPENDIX D 

PROJECT REVIEW MEETING MINUTES 

JUNE 17, 2009 
 SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE ®

6220 CULEBRA ROAD i POST OFFICE DRAWER 28510 i SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, USA 78228-0510 i (210) 684-5111 i WWW.SWRI.ORG 

ENGINE, EMISSIONS, AND VEHICLE RESEARCH DIVISION HTTP://ENGINEANDVEHICLE .SWRI.ORG

FAX: (210) 522-3950 ISO 9001 Certified

ISO 14001 Certified 

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 

D-1

HOUSTON, TEXAS i WASHINGTON, DC i ANN ARBOR, MI 

July 3, 2009 

SUBJECT: Meeting Minutes 

Program E-87-2 

 Catalyst Durability with Ethanol Blends 

 

DATE OF MEETING: 6/17/09 

LOCATION: Southwest Research Institute (SwRI®) 

MEETING RECORDER: Brent Shoffner, SwRI bshoffner@swri.org

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

Martin Heimrich of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) called the meeting to order at 

8:00 AM. The list of personnel attending the meeting at SwRI is included in Attachment A. 

Several people, also listed in Attachment A, participated in the meeting via a telephone 

conference call. Microsoft® Office “Live Meeting” was set up and used to display the 

presentation material to the remote location computers of the individuals participating by 

telephone. The agenda is included as Attachment B. The electronic files of the presentations 

given during the meeting, as listed below, have been uploaded to the dedicated password 

protected ftp site established for this program or are included in the attachments. 

TABLE 1. LIST OF PRESENTATIONS 

Number Title Presenter 

Location for 

Reference 

1 Oak Ridge Project E-87-2 Vehicle Status Brent Shoffner ftp site 

2 Oak Ridge Project E-87-2 Emissions Status Marty Heimrich ftp site 

3 2007 Honda Accord Emissions Results Evaluation Keith Knoll ftp site 

4 Emissions Output Example – ORCS10 – E10 Chris Sharp Attachment E

2.0 Automotive Fleet laboratory Presentation – Brent Shoffner 

Brent Shoffner gave the presentation noted as #1 in the Introduction Section I. One of 

the critical issues for this program is the length of time that E0 will be commercially available in 

the San Antonio, Texas area. When E0 is no longer commercially available, the current fuel 

supplier for the program could potentially supply E0 at the terminal, but it would likely be a 

“BOB” or subgrade fuel, which (before mixing with ethanol) is not legal for the public road 

system. It would probably have a lower than 87-octane rating in anticipation of mixing it with 

ethanol. SwRI has a 19,000-gallon storage tank being used for storage of E0 and is ordering a 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

July 3, 2009 

Page 2 of 6 

D-2 

 tanker truck when the fuel remaining is approximately 11,500 gallons or less. The shelf life of 

gasoline is about 1 year, so it is not possible to order all the E0 required for the program up front 

and store it. 

Action Item 1 – Brent Shoffner 

Contact the supplier of the fuel and develop the best plan for providing E0 for the length 

of the program. 

It was asked whether more than 8 mileage accumulation dynamometers (MADs) could be 

used for the program. Additional MADs will be used if they are available and Oak Ridge 

vehicles are waiting in the queue. When the replacement Honda is accumulating mileage with 

two other groups of 4 vehicles, 9 MADs will be made available. 

SwRI is accumulating mileage on the vehicles in a group with the difference between the 

highest and lowest test miles typically less than 10,000 miles. The replacement Honda is an 

exception. With scheduled maintenance and no other problems, mileage accumulation averages 

about 800 miles per vehicle per day or 96,000 miles per vehicle group per month 

Action Item 2 – Brent Shoffner 

SwRI technicians have been checking for the presence of engine diagnostic trouble codes 

(DTCs) at every oil change. Brian West requested that SwRI ensure that this includes a formal 

check for pending codes as well. (Note: This procedure has been implemented.) 

3,0 Light Duty Vehicle Emissions Laboratory Report – Martin Heimrich 

The presentation is noted as #2 in the Introduction Section I. The presentation included 

the following: 

1. Thermocouple locations in the exhaust system 

2. Summary of the wide-open throttle procedure 

3. Status of emissions results. 

The thermocouple wire that senses the catalytic converter substrate temperature is 0.020-inch 

diameter thermocouple wire pushed into a substrate cell in the front of the catalytic converter 1-

inch from the converter front face. Two thermocouples are placed in the substrate in this manner 

because the wires are delicate and tend to break over time with use. 

Wide-open throttle testing has been added to the E10 and E15 vehicles as added scope. 

Refer to Table 2. The “wide-open throttle” or “WOT” procedure used in the E-87-2 program is 

the same as the procedure used in the E-87-1 program. It is a modified “EPEFE” or “Sulfur 

Purge” cycle. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

July 3, 2009 

Page 3 of 6 

D-3 

TABLE 2. EMISSIONS TESTING SEQUENCE 

Both fuel economy in miles-per-gallon and CO2 will be reported as results. The Code of 

Federal Regulations (CFR) method was used to calculate the fuel economy in the presentation 

and in past monthly status reports. These fuel economy values will be recalculated based on 

carbon balance and fuel properties. The data in the monthly status reports are considered 

preliminary. It was asked whether there was a parameter, which would quantify the difference of 

the degradation of emissions between vehicles aged on different ethanol fuels. Statisticians at 

Battelle will analyze the emissions results with regards to this question. 

Action Item 3 – Marty Heimrich 

For the data analyses of the wide-open throttle (WOT) tests, it was recommended that 

more than one WOT be averaged. 

Action Item 4 – Marty Heimrich 

SwRI will use the E-87-1 protocol to calculate and produce data for the WOT tests, 

including the catalytic converter substrate temperatures. The emissions “prep” consists of three 

EPA Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedules (UDDS). 

E0 Vehicle E10 Vehicle E15 Vehicle E20 Vehicle

Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E0

FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E0

Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E10 Fuel Change - E15 Fuel Change - E20

WOT Prep - E20 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E10 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E15 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E20

WOT Test - E20 FTP Emissions Test - E10 FTP Emissions Test - E15 FTP Emissions Test - E20

FTP Emissions Test - E10 FTP Emissions Test - E15 FTP Emissions Test - E20

WOT Test - E10 WOT Test - E15 WOT Test - E20

Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E20

WOT Prep - E20 WOT Prep - E20

WOT Test - E20 WOT Test - E20

E0 Vehicle E10 Vehicle E15 Vehicle E20 Vehicle

Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E10 Fuel Change - E15 Fuel Change - E20

FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E10 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E15 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E20

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E10 FTP Emissions Test - E15 FTP Emissions Test - E20

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E10 FTP Emissions Test - E15 FTP Emissions Test - E20

WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E10 WOT Test - E15 WOT Test - E20

Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E0

WOT Prep - E20 WOT Prep - E20 WOT Prep - E20 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0

WOT Test - E20 WOT Test - E20 WOT Test - E20 FTP Emissions Test - E0

Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 WOT Test - E0

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E0

Pre-Mileage Accumulation

Post Mileage Accumulation
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

July 3, 2009 

Page 4 of 6 

D-4 

Action Item 5 – Marty Heimrich 

It was recommended that the E20 WOTs on the Hondas be rerun with longer preps. 

Action Item 6 – Marty Heimrich 

It was theorized that the Sulfur Purge/WOT test procedure could potentially improve the 

baseline catalyst performance following long periods of vehicle service accumulation. As a 

consensus, the group revised the emissions test order given in Table 2 to the sequence in Table 3, 

so that both sets of duplicate emissions tests would be preconditioned by a sulfur purge/ WOT 

cycle (and not just the second pair of tests). Start with the Caravan group as a running change. 

TABLE 3. MODIFIED EMISSIONS TESTING SEQUENCE 

E0 Vehicle E10 Vehicle E15 Vehicle E20 Vehicle

Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E0

WOT Prep - E0 WOT Prep - E0 WOT Prep - E0 WOT Prep - E0

FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E0

Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E10 Fuel Change - E15 Fuel Change - E20

WOT Prep - E20 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E10 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E15 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E20

WOT Test - E20 FTP Emissions Test - E10 FTP Emissions Test - E15 FTP Emissions Test - E20

FTP Emissions Test - E10 FTP Emissions Test - E15 FTP Emissions Test - E20

WOT Test - E10 WOT Test - E15 WOT Test - E20

Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E20

WOT Prep - E20 WOT Prep - E20

WOT Test - E20 WOT Test - E20

E0 Vehicle E10 Vehicle E15 Vehicle E20 Vehicle

Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E10 Fuel Change - E15 Fuel Change - E20

WOT Prep - E0 WOT Prep - E10 WOT Prep - E15 WOT Prep - E20

FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E10 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E15 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E20

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E10 FTP Emissions Test - E15 FTP Emissions Test - E20

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E10 FTP Emissions Test - E15 FTP Emissions Test - E20

WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E10 WOT Test - E15 WOT Test - E20

Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E20 Fuel Change - E0

WOT Prep - E20 WOT Prep - E20 WOT Prep - E20 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0

WOT Test - E20 WOT Test - E20 WOT Test - E20 FTP Emissions Test - E0

Fuel Change - E0 Fuel Change - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 FTP Emissions Test Prep - E0 WOT Test - E0

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

FTP Emissions Test - E0 FTP Emissions Test - E0

WOT Test - E0 WOT Test - E0

Pre-Mileage Accumulation

Post Mileage Accumulation
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

July 3, 2009 

Page 5 of 6 

D-5 

The following observations were made and discussed during this portion of the meeting. 

1. The time at WOT during the WOT tests is not exactly the same. 

2. It was noted that the Chevrolet Silverado trucks have comparable lambda values 

during the start-of-test WOT procedures with E0 and the WOT tests with E20 fuel. 

3. The temperature reduces slightly at WOT over time potentially due to enrichment. 

4. The Nissan Altima could potentially have a “rich” deceleration condition. Nissan 

representatives had previously stated that they expected a lean deceleration. The 

condition is low air and low fuel flow. It could be an instrumentation problem. Nissan 

was given a copy of the data during these conditions for review. If Nissan 

representatives are concerned, they will alert the Oak Ridge project manager. 

Action Item 7 – Marty Heimrich and Brent Shoffner 

With regards to the installation of a lambda sensor in the Ford Taurus exhaust manifold, 

the exhaust manifold will be drilled and tapped and installed on vehicle. The Lambda sensor will 

be installed into the tapped hole and tightened to a specified torque. An exhaust system leak 

check will be performed before emissions. SwRI was asked to ensure that that the lambda sensor 

does not restrict exhaust flow. It was decided to leave the exhaust manifold in place during 

mileage accumulation with a plug installed in the tapped hole used for the lambda sensor. 

Keith Knoll of NREL gave the presentation noted as #3 in the Introduction Section I. 

The graphs compare the emissions levels of total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, NOx, ethanol, 

formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde by the fuel used for conducting the FTP-75 tests. 

The general conclusion was that the scatter in the data is greater than any notable trend at this 

time. 

It had been reported in the EPA program that baffles in the fuel tank of the Nissan 

Altimas may reduce the efficiency of the fuel flush. 

Action Item 8 – Brent Shoffner and Don Hart 

SwRI was asked to look inside the Nissan Altima fuel tank to investigate this issue and 

recommend a fuel tank flushing technique. During the week of June 22, Brent Shoffner and Don 

Hart reviewed the fuel tank of ORNA0, which was in the Automotive Fleet Laboratory for a 

scheduled oil change. A discussion of the findings is included in Attachment D. SwRI offers the 

following procedure to enhance the effectiveness of a single drain operation. 

1. With the vehicle on level ground activate the fuel pump and drain the fuel through 

the fuel rail until the stream turns to drips. 

2. Using a floor jack raise the passenger side of the vehicle approximately 18 inches 

and then lower the vehicle. 

3. With the vehicle on level ground activate the fuel pump and drain the fuel through 

the fuel rail until the stream turns to drips. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

July 3, 2009 

Page 6 of 6 

D-6 

4.0 Review of Data Format for Statisticians and Data Archiving - Chris Sharp 

Chris Sharp of SwRI gave the presentation noted as #4 in the Introduction Section I and 

included in Attachment E. The following are definitions: 

1. ND (Non-detectable) = raw data values below the instrument detection limit prior 

to background correction. 

2. Trace = Raw data values above ND but below the “limit of quantification” (LoQ). 

These data are detected, but in the “noise” of the method. 

The regular non-methane organic gas (NMOG) protocol includes more (up to 130) compounds. 

For this program a simplified NMOG calculation is to be used that incorporates the most relevant 

compounds. The ND and LoQ vary with vehicle/engine exhaust gas flow rates. There was a 

discussion of the method to report ND and trace values. The following is a consensus of the 

meeting participants. 

Action Item 8 – Chris Sharp and Marty Heimrich 

ND will be reported as “ND.” A trace value will be reported and identified as a trace 

value. The limit of quantification will be documented for each value reported as trace. 

Action Item 9 – Marty Heimrich, Brent Shoffner, and Brian West 

Produce a program timetable through completion of the Dodge Caravans. This timetable 

is included in Attachment C. 

Brian West, the Oak Ridge Project Manager, asked for recommendations from group 

members for vehicles, which should be tested. 

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM. 
D-7 

Attachment A 

List of Meeting Attendees
D-8 

Attendance List 

Name Company 

In 

Attendance 

By 

Telephone 

Brian West ORNL X 

Chris Tennant CRC X 

Coleman Jones GM X 

Ken Wright Conoco Phillips X 

Marie Valentine Toyota X 

Brent Bailey CRC X 

King Eng Shell Global Solutions X 

Keith Knoll NREL X 

Charlie Schleyer Exxon X 

James Uihlein Chevron X 

John Orban Battelle X 

Ken Kimura BP X 

Andy Mabutol Mitsubishi X 

Dominic DiCicco Ford X 

Connie Hart EPA X 

Tony Fernandez EPA X 

 

Martin Heimrich SwRI X 

Jeff White SwRI X 

Brent Shoffner SwRI X 

Kevin Whitney SwRI X 

Don Hart SwRI X 

Lee Grant SwRI X 

Chris Sharp SwRI X 

Terry Westrum SwRI X 
D-9 

Attachment B 

Meeting Agenda 
D-10 

 V4/E-87-2 Oak Ridge National Laboratory/ CRC Project Meeting 

Agenda 

June 17, 2009 

Engine, Emissions, & Vehicle Research Division 

Southwest Research Institute 

6220 Culebra Road 

San Antonio, TX 78238-5165

Project Engineer/Host: 

Martin J. Heimrich 

Emissions Research and 

 Development 

Department 

Phone: (210) 522-3022 

FAX: (210) 522-3950 

Email: 

mheimrich@swri.org

Directors: 

Jeff J. White Michael D. Lochte 

Emissions Research and Fuels and Lubricants 

 Development Department Research 

Phone: (210) 522-2649 Phone: (210) 522-5430 

FAX: (210) 522-3950 FAX: (210) 684-7523 

Email: jjwhite@swri.org Email: 

 michael.lochte@swri.org

Division Vice President: 

Bruce Bykowski 

Phone: (210) 522-2937 

Fax: (210) 522-3950 

Email: 

bbykowski@swri.org

Visiting Client Staff: Brian West, ORNL (by phone) James Uihlein, Chevron 

 Chris Tennant, CRC Keith Knoll, NREL 

Dominic DiCicco, Ford (by phone)

 Coleman Jones, GM (by phone)Marie Valentine, Toyota (by phone)

 Ken Kimura, BP Andy Mabutol, Mitsubishi (by phone) 

 John E. Orban, Battelle Ken Wright, Conoco Phillips 

King Eng, Shell Global Solutions 

 Charlie Schleyer, Exxon 

________________________ 

 Confirmed as of 6/16/09

Purpose of Visit: V4/E-87-2 Project Review Meeting 

Bldg. 87, Main Conference Room – June 17, 2009, from 8 am to 5 pm 

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

8:00 - 8:10 Arrivals & Introductions..........................................................................................................

8:10 Opening Remarks ....................................................................Brian West, Marty Heimrich, 

8:15 Mileage Accumulation:...........................................................................................................

 Accords to almost full useful life 

 Silverados to 50K miles 

 (Altimas are under test) 

 Caravans check-in/initial inspection 

9:30 FTP Emissions and WOT Data:............................................................................................ M

 Accords - 0K and 50K miles 

 Silverados - 0K miles 

 Altimas - 0K miles 

 Taurus' Instrumentation 

11:30 Lunch at SwRI cafeteria ..........................................................................................................

1:15 Review of data format presentation for statisticians and data archiving .................................

2:15 Concluding discussions............................................................................................................

3:00 - 5:00 Emissions lab and mileage accumulation dynamometer tours ....................Marty Heimrich, 

6:00 - 8:00 Dinner ......................................................................................................................................

cc/ B Bykowski, D Barranco, L Cruz, J White, T Davison, C Sharp, K Whitney, S Sampson, E Krueger, K 

Echtle, 

 S Tondre, D Reeh, L Grant, B Shoffner, K Brunner, M Lochte.

Form 9.5-1, Rev. 2 (1/05/07) 
D-11 

Attachment C 

Projected Time Table 
D-12 

Oak Ridge Project E-87-2 Time Table 

Dates shown assume data collection complete 4-6 weeks earlier. Allows ~2 weeks for SwRI analysis and daexternal analysis and reporting (e.g. Honda FUL tests will be complete in mid-July 2009, Gantt shows Honda August). Odometers are approximate odometers of fleet (not test miles). 

2009 20

Number of Veh Model 

Year Model Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 

4 2007 Honda Accord 35k 85k 120k 10B 4 2006 Chev Silverado 27k 77k 120k 4 2008 Nissan Altima 20k 70k 120k 4 2007 Dodge Caravan 45k 95k 120k 4 2008 Ford Taurus 17k 67k 120k 

Dodge Caravan and Ford Taurus vehicle order changed. 

Updated on 7/09/09 
D-13 

Attachment D 

Nissan Fuel Tank 
D-14 

2008 Nissan Altima 

The rear seat can be removed 

to expose an inspection port 

over the fuel pump and 

sending unit assembly, which 

is located on the driver’s side 

of the vehicle. The fuel 

pickup is about 3/16 inch 

above the bottom of the fuel 

tank. 

Below is a photograph of the right side of the tank. The ridge shown in the photograph traps 

fuel. Most of the fuel will drain to the left side of the tank if the passenger side of the vehicle 

is raised by a floor jack approximately 18 inches. 

Ridge 
D-15 

2008 Nissan Altima 

Photograph showing the fuel tank and the exhaust pipe shield 

Photograph showing the ridge area at the edge of the fuel tank strap 
D-16 

Cross-Section Schematic of the 2008 Nissan Altima Fuel Tank

Pump 

and 

sending 

unit 

assembly 

Strap

Exhaust pipe

Shiel

Driver’s Side Passenger
D-17 

Attachment E 

Emissions Results Output Sample 
D-18 

Ethanol, mg/mi

Methanol, mg/mi

Formaldehyde, mg/mi

ND

ND

0.2

Trace

Trace

ND

Acetaldehyde, mg/mi

0.1

Trace

2.7

6.2

0.5

ND

Weighted

6.7

Trace

16.3

18.0

Ethanol, mg/mi

Methanol, mg/mi

Formaldehyde, mg/mi

Acetaldehyde, mg/mi

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

RoadLd A (N)

RoadL B (N/kph)

0.235 0.001

THC, g/mi

COL, g/mi

NOx, g/mi

NMHC, g/mi

0.003

0.050

Phase 3

0.016

569.1

0.008

0.000

15.35 17.40

Weighted

14.41

NOx, g/mi

CO2, g/mi

CH4, g/mi

602.7

0.030

THC, g/mi

Fuel Economy, mpg

COL, g/mi

0.213

0.409

0.000

0.176 0.002

0.402

0.020

502.1

0.011

2.246

0.107

10.45 0.20 10.27

0.009

Phase 1 Phase 2

0.03

1.149 0.048 1.105

65.35 0.67 64.74

4.21 2.67 1.77

2.14 0.03 2.12

0.88

0.48

Sample

15.29 3.28 12.30

Ambient Net

3.48 3.25

0.0

3.6

99.4

6.7

22.6

419.3

3795.1

11.6

3.6

99.4

23.3

279.7

4442.4

13.4

0.0

3.9

372.7

3373.1

12.5

0.0

Sample Ambient Net Ambient

99.4

Net

6.8

0.886

3.89 3.13 1.02

6.6

0.881

Sample

CH4, ppm

NMHC, ppm

11.50 0.78

0.996

0.04

2.85

0.047

0.20

2.65

THC, ppm

COL, ppm

NOx, ppm

CO2, %

10.77 13.55 0.65 12.96

Density(kg/m^3):

NHV(btu/lbm):

Driver Errors:

Fuel Name:

CWF:

HWF:

OWF:

Shift Table 1

Shift Table 2

Shift Table 3

Shift Table 4

Phase Phase 1 Phase 2

VIN:

Model Year:

Displacement (l):

Engine Family:

Odometer (mi):

Transmission:

FTP75

OR-CS10-1-E10-F-0k-T4

Project No. 03.1453

Vehicle #:

Vehicle Make:

Vehicle Model:

SW021598

Dyno 7

2/20/2009

0.865

0.135

0

RoadLd C (N/kph^2)

0.73

Run Number:

Test Cell:

Test Date:

Test Init Time:

Test Type

Test Number

Operator:

Driver:

Distance (mi)

Avg. Cell Temp.(degC)

Phase 3

Avg. CVS Flow Rate (scfm)

CVS Volume (ft^3, 20degC)

Test Time (sec): 888.5 506.4 506.3

23.4

0.45

0.953 1.07155 0.04628 1.02897

0.00 0.47 0.02

Requester:

Inertia (kg):

0.40 3.11

NOx Hum Corr Factor:

Barometer (kPa)

Specific Humidity (gr/lbm)

Dilution Factor:

Driver Out of Limits (sec):

2.57 0.74

0.20 0.01 0.32 0.17 0.16

CO2, g/mi

CH4, g/mi

NMHC, g/mi

0.053

0.790

0.028

557.7

NMOG, g/mi

15.64

0.013

0.037

NMOG, g/mi

Fuel Economy, mpg

R