As one of the trusted CPCB approved RECD manufacturers, we help organizations across India reduce harmful exhaust emissions from their diesel generator (DG) sets. DG sets are widely used across India to provide reliable backup power for industries, hospitals, commercial buildings, hotels, data centers, residential societies, and infrastructure facilities.
However, choosing the right RECD is not simply about selecting the cheapest product available. The DG set's capacity, engine model, exhaust parameters, operating conditions, regulatory requirements, technical documentation, installation, and maintenance all need to be considered.This guide explains how to choose the best RECD for your DG set and what to check before purchasing from CPCB approved RECD manufacturers.
What Is a RECD?
RECD stands for Retrofit Emission Control Device.
It is an emission-control system designed to be installed on a suitable existing diesel generator to treat exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere.
How does a RECD device work on a DG set?
The diesel engine's exhaust gases are directed into the RECD device, which treats the pollutants before releasing clean exhaust into the atmosphere.
Depending on the technology used, an RECD may help reduce targeted pollutants such as:
Particulate Matter (PM)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Hydrocarbons (HC)
Visible smoke
The actual emission reduction depends on factors such as engine condition, exhaust temperature, operating load, fuel quality, and the specific technology used.
Why Choosing the Right RECD Matters
Not every RECD is suitable for every diesel generator. An emission-control system must be correctly matched with the DG set to achieve reliable performance.
Choosing an unsuitable product may result in:
Excessive exhaust back pressure
Poor emission-control performance
Engine operating problems
Higher maintenance requirements
Reduced system life
Compliance-related concerns
Therefore, businesses should conduct a proper technical evaluation before purchasing an RECD.
Step 3: Verify CPCB-Related Claims
The phrase "CPCB-approved RECD" is widely used in the market. However, businesses should not rely solely on marketing claims. If a supplier claims that its product is approved, certified, or compliant with CPCB requirements, ask for supporting documentation.
Depending on the product and applicable requirements, this may include:
Test reports
Certification documents
Technical datasheets
Product specifications
Approval documents
Compliance-related documentation
Carefully check whether the documentation applies to the specific RECD model and intended DG set application.
Working with credible CPCB approved RECD manufacturers can help businesses obtain appropriate technical and compliance documentation, but customers should still independently verify the relevance of the documents to their particular application.
Step 4: Check the RECD Technology
Different emission-control technologies target different pollutants.
The right technology depends on the DG set and required emission-control performance.
Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)
A DOC can help oxidize certain pollutants in diesel exhaust.
Depending on operating conditions, it can help reduce:
Carbon monoxide
Hydrocarbons
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
A DPF captures particulate matter from diesel exhaust.
The collected soot must be managed through appropriate regeneration or maintenance procedures.
DPF systems can be particularly relevant where particulate emissions and visible smoke are major concerns.
Step 5: Match the RECD to Your DG Capacity
One of the most important factors is DG capacity. A small commercial generator and a large industrial generator have different exhaust flow requirements.
For larger applications, an appropriately designed RECD system for industrial generators may be required to handle higher exhaust volumes and operating conditions.
The system should be correctly sized according to:
DG capacity
Exhaust flow
Exhaust temperature
Engine specifications
Operating load
Never select an RECD based only on the DG's kVA rating. The complete exhaust and engine parameters should be evaluated.
Step 6: Check Exhaust Back Pressure
Exhaust back pressure is a critical technical consideration. When an emission-control device is added to the exhaust line, it can create additional resistance to exhaust flow.
If back pressure becomes excessive, it may affect:
Engine performance
Fuel efficiency
Engine reliability
Exhaust temperature
Long-term operation
The selected RECD should operate within the acceptable back-pressure limits specified for the engine.
A professional technical assessment should be conducted before installation.
Step 7: Evaluate Exhaust Temperature
Some emission-control technologies require specific exhaust temperatures to function effectively. If the DG operates at very low loads, exhaust temperatures may not always reach the required operating range.
Therefore, the supplier should evaluate:
Typical operating load
Exhaust temperature
Running hours
Load variation
This is particularly important when selecting systems that depend on specific thermal conditions for effective emission control.
Benefits of Choosing the Right RECD
Selecting a properly matched emission-control system can provide several benefits.
Reduced Targeted Emissions
A suitable system can help reduce specific pollutants from diesel exhaust.
Better Environmental Performance
Reducing targeted exhaust pollutants can contribute to improved environmental performance.
Support for Applicable Compliance Requirements
An appropriate RECD can support organizations in addressing relevant emission-control requirements.
Continued Use of Suitable Existing DG Sets
A retrofit approach may allow businesses to continue using reliable existing generators where technically and legally appropriate.
Potentially Lower Replacement Costs
Retrofitting may be more economical than replacing an entire generator in some applications.
RECD for Industrial and Commercial Applications
A properly selected RECD system for industrial generators can be considered for a wide range of applications, including:
Manufacturing plants
Industrial facilities
Hospitals
Data centers
Hotels
Commercial buildings
Warehouses
Shopping complexes
Residential societies
Infrastructure projects
The system must be selected based on the technical characteristics of each individual DG set.
Conclusion
Choosing the best RECD for your diesel generator requires more than comparing product prices. The right solution must be technically compatible with the DG set, appropriately sized, properly installed, and supported by suitable documentation and after-sales service. When evaluating CPCB approved RECD manufacturers, businesses should carefully verify technical specifications, test reports, certification claims, installation capabilities, and maintenance support. For larger facilities, selecting the right RECD system for industrial generators also requires detailed evaluation of exhaust flow, temperature, back pressure, operating load, and installation conditions. Most importantly, businesses should verify the latest environmental requirements applicable to their specific DG set and location. A qualified technical assessment can help determine whether a particular RECD is suitable and what documentation is required.