Santa Paula Firm Ceryx Receives State Grant to Help Decrease Air Pollution
2 August 2000
Santa Paula Firm Ceryx Receives State Grant to Help Decrease Air Pollution
SANTA PAULA, Calif. - Ceryx Inc. has announced that it has received a grant of $632,000 from the California Energy Commission to help its flagship product attain commercial success.The Santa Paula-based designer, developer and manufacturer of diesel emission control systems received the grant through the Advanced Technology Program element of the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. The Energy Commission administers the Advanced Technology Program.
Ceryx's flagship product, the QuadCAT catalytic converter, represents a unique and proprietary technology that allows, for the first time, the simultaneous reduction of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen from diesel engines.
During extensive testing, the QuadCAT has demonstrated consistent reductions in PM, HC and CO of 90 percent and NOx by greater than 40 percent. The company believes that its technology provides the most cost-effective method of removing NOx from diesel exhaust.
The system has been specifically engineered for simple installation on both stationary and mobile units, and is designed to not only reduce air pollutants but to dampen engine noise as well.
In making the award, Chairman William Keese of the Energy Commission said, "Continued public-private sector support for diesel emission control strategies that balance fuel economy and cost is important to meeting California's transportation energy and environmental goals.
"The Energy Commission's award to demonstrate the Ceryx QuadCAT will evaluate the product's potential emission and cost savings benefits in furtherance of these goals," Keese said.
Dr. Dorriah L. Page, the company's president and chief executive officer, said: "While major engine manufacturers throughout the world have shown significant interest in using the QuadCAT technology with their new engines, we will also continue to pursue the rapid retrofit of existing diesel units as they have a major impact on air quality."
She added, "Ease of installation, coupled with the unit's proven effectiveness means cleaner air in urban areas throughout the world can be a practical reality in the near future."
Diesel engines are widespread, not only in California but throughout the world, and represent the most prevalent power source for heavy-duty vehicles. The units are hard working, have long lives and are comparatively economical to operate.
However, in California, where diesel-powered vehicles represent only 2 percent of the total vehicle population, they account for 30 percent of the NOx and 75 percent of the PM emissions from mobile sources.
As a result, air pollution control agencies throughout the United States have adopted increasingly stringent emissions standards that can lead to substantial costs for those companies required to comply. Ceryx believes its patented devices represent the most efficient and cost effective method currently available to bring diesel stationary and mobile units into compliance.
Ceryx is a privately held company founded in 1997. Its product line, for which it holds several patents, includes pollution control devices for both the stationary and mobile market. The company has headquarters in Santa Paula.
The California Air Resources Board administers the Carl Moyer program that seeks to reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines at low cost and minimal fuel economy penalty.
Under the program, named after a state expert in air quality, incentives are awarded through grants that cover the incremental cost of cleaner on-road, off-road, marine, locomotive and stationary agricultural pump engines, as well as forklifts and airport ground support equipment.
The Advanced Technology Program funds the development and demonstration of low-NOx technologies for diesel engines in stationary and mobile applications. The Moyer program makes up to $45 million available for incentives; another $2.2 million is available for technology development and demonstration.