Analysis of the Exhaust Emissions of Toxic Compounds from a Special Purpose Rail Machine PŁT-500 During Profiling the Ballast Cess

Track works typically require the use of special-purpose rail machines, in which the main source of propulsion are high-power compression ignition engines. Reliance on these types of engines, which are characterized by a significant degree of wear and tear, relates to a relatively high specific fuel consumption and the exhaust emissions of toxic compounds. Using such rail machines to perform modernization and repair works has a negative impact on the natural environment. The article presents test results of toxic compounds exhaust emissions as measured from a special purpose rail machine. The tested vehicle was a machine designed for profiling the ballast cess labelled as PŁT-500. The machine was classified as NRMM (Non Road Mobile Machinery) and used for profiling and cleaning the cess. A PEMS (Portable Emissions Measurement System) type apparatus was used for the emissions measurement. This made it possible to measure the exhaust emissions as RDE (Real Driving Emissions) of toxic compounds from the machine in real operating conditions. The obtained test results include the measured exhaust emissions of gaseous compounds: CO, CO2, HC and NOx as well as the vehicle fuel consumption while performing its track works