FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Direct Source Filtration?

A direct source filter system is a vehicle exhaust protection system that is connected to the exhaust train on the vehicle. In other words, by definition, it is physically part of the exhaust system.

Does WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE void the engine warranty?

NO. Since NO SMOKE 2 is installed beyond all of the after treatment devices and before the diffuser tip it does not interfere with the vehicle exhaust system. Letters have been provided by engine manufacturers. We have certified testing that proves NO SMOKE 2 creates less back pressure than a 90 degree elbow.

What is WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE 2?

WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE 2 features a high performance substrate with proprietary wash coat that removes gaseous matter on 2007, 2010 & newer model engines. These engines address emissions for the environment. WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE 2 provides the clean air you need in the firehouse, within the enclosed structure, for an important health and safety upgrade.

Why the decision for the apparatus-mounted exhaust protection system (i.e. WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE)?

WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE is fully automatic, involving no manual hose hook-ups in the station. It is also the ONLY diesel exhaust protection system that offers on-scene protection.

What is the frequency of filter changes on the WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE?

The advanced design of the NO SMOKE 2 filters should require no maintenance or cleaning.

For the original NO SMOKE filters, there are a number of variables that affect the frequency of filter changes including timer setting, the age of the engine, the sulfur content of fuel, and the number of cycles. In general, most fire departments go 2-3 years between filter changes.

How is WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE automatic?

Our NO SMOKE 2 Systems are a pass-through filter that is “always on”, from cold start until the engine is turned off. The original NO SMOKE system automatically activates upon startup and when the transmission is put into reverse upon re-entry to the station. This critical automatic feature is a more “fool proof” means to ensure that the system is utilized.

We move our vehicles from bay to bay. Are we locked into a bay with WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE?

WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE is an on-board system. WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE provides freedom of movement. There are no hose drops which lock the vehicle into a bay. Also, there are no hanging hoses swinging in the fire station which can create a safety hazard.

What is the WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE over-ride switch?

The WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE 2 Systems is “Always On”, no over-ride switch is needed as all exhaust is filtered.

For older apparatus, the WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE provides clean emissions on-scene with the flip of a switch. The WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE over-ride feature activates the filter system.

For ambulances in front of hospital doors, the system can be activated to keep the hazardous, nuisance soot from being breathed by hospital and emergency personnel, and patients. No more shutting off the vehicle in front of hospital doors, which is not a viable option in extreme weather conditions.

What does NFPA state regarding exhaust emissions?

NFPA 1500 9.1.6: “The fire department shall prevent exposure to firefighters and contamination of living and sleeping areas by exhaust emissions.”

What are the OSHA standards?

OSHA measures Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) over a time weighted average 8 hour day. PELs – Carbon Monoxide 35 PPM, Sulfur Dioxide 5 PPM, PNAs 1 PPM, Diesel Particulate Matter 1 PPM, Nitrogen Oxide 25 PPM, Nitrogen Dioxide 5 PPM. WARD DIESEL NO SMOKE meets and exceeds OSHA, NIOSH and NFPA.

What is diesel exhaust?

Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of toxic compounds including the termed “carcinogen” Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM), commonly termed “soot”. Diesel exhaust also contains certain Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PNAs), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO). Some DPM (soot) particles are large or dark enough to be seen as soot or smoke. Others are so small that several thousand of them could fit on the period at the end of this sentence. The smallest diesel particles have diameters below 50 nanometers (a nanometer is one million times smaller than the head of a pin). Newer diesel engines emit higher numbers of small particulates than the older vehicles. Research has shown that the smallest diesel particles are of the greatest health concern as they will penetrate deep into sensitive areas of the respiratory tract.

With thousands of installations currently operating,

NO SMOKE has proven its capability and reliability to fire and rescue personnel throughout the world. We hope that you will be next to join the growing list of fire departments that have decided to protect their personnel with NO SMOKE.