RECD system for industrial generatorsFor facilities that depend on diesel generators for backup or operational power, an can be an important part of an emissions-control strategy. But deciding whether a DG needs an RECD should not be based on a generic online statement or a supplier's marketing claim. The first step is to identify the specific generator, engine, gross mechanical power, location and applicable regulatory requirements. Only then can the appropriate retrofit approach be evaluated.

System and Procedure for Emission Compliance Testing of Retro-fit Emission Control Devices (RECD) for Diesel Power Generating Set Engines Up to Gross Mechanical Power 800 kWJuly 24, 2023CPCB has published a specific , revised on . This guide explains how industrial generator owners should understand the relationship between RECD technology and CPCB requirements without treating certification as an automatic blanket compliance statement.

Why Emissions Control Matters in Industrial DG Operations

Industrial DG sets can serve important functions when grid electricity is unavailable or additional backup power is required.

They may support:

Manufacturing operations
Pumps and motors
Emergency systems
Data infrastructure
Process equipment
Commercial facilities
Critical building services

Because diesel combustion produces exhaust emissions, emissions control can become an important part of environmental management.

However, the applicable regulatory position depends on the particular generator and the requirements governing the installation. An industrial facility should therefore avoid assuming that every DG has exactly the same compliance obligation.

What CPCB's RECD Procedure Covers

emission-compliance testing and type approvalCPCB's published RECD procedure establishes a framework for of applicable retrofit emission-control devices for diesel power-generating-set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power.

The procedure addresses technical aspects associated with evaluating an RECD, including the relevant engine application, testing and performance requirements.

This is important for industrial buyers because it means an RECD should be treated as a technically evaluated retrofit system rather than an ordinary exhaust accessory.

Start With the Engine

One of the most important points for an industrial facility is that an RECD should not be selected simply from the DG's kVA rating.

Before contacting a supplier, collect:

DG manufacturer
Engine manufacturer
Engine model
Engine serial number
Gross mechanical power
DG rating
Rated speed
Existing exhaust arrangement
Installation location

gross mechanical powerCPCB's RECD procedure specifically establishes its scope using , so the engine's technical information should be checked rather than relying only on a commercial DG rating.

Why Engine Application Matters

Different diesel generators can have different:

Engine manufacturers
Engine models
Power outputs
Exhaust configurations
Operating characteristics

Therefore, a product described simply as:

“RECD for industrial DG”

does not provide enough information for technical selection.

The buyer should ask:

Which RECD model is proposed?

Which engine/application does it cover?

What supporting documentation is available?

What installation conditions apply?

This approach helps connect the product to the actual generator.

How an RECD Fits Into the Compliance Process

An RECD is a retrofit emission-control device intended for an existing diesel generator application.

CPCB's procedure provides a framework through which relevant RECDs can be tested and approved for defined applications.

For an industrial buyer, the practical sequence is:

Identify the DG

Confirm the engine and gross mechanical power.

Identify the RECD

Select the exact product/model.

Verify the application

Check the documented relationship between the RECD and the relevant engine/application.

Plan the installation

Evaluate the existing exhaust and site.

Verify current requirements

Check CPCB and other applicable official requirements.

This is safer than purchasing an RECD first and trying to determine its applicability afterward.

What Parameters Should Industrial Buyers Review?

CPCB's published RECD procedure contains technical testing requirements and addresses parameters such as:

Particulate matter
CO
HC
NOx
Smoke
Specific fuel consumption
Regeneration characteristics
Exhaust back pressure

The exact test results and acceptance requirements depend on the relevant product and testing process.

Buyers do not necessarily need to perform these tests themselves, but they should request relevant documentation from the supplier and understand what it applies to.

Exhaust Back Pressure Deserves Attention

An RECD becomes part of the generator's exhaust arrangement, so installation engineering matters.

Before purchasing, review:

Exhaust-pipe diameter
Flange dimensions
Silencer
Pipe routing
Mounting arrangements
Available space
Existing supports

CPCB's RECD documentation includes exhaust back pressure within the testing framework.

Therefore, the supplier should evaluate the existing exhaust system rather than assuming that any RECD can be inserted into any configuration without modification.

Why Industrial Plants Should Consider the Whole Installation

Industrial sites often have more complicated operating conditions than a small standby generator installation.

A plant may have:

Multiple DG sets
Different engine models
Restricted shutdown windows
Long exhaust routes
Limited installation space
Multiple maintenance teams
Production-related downtime considerations

This means an RECD project should include site planning as well as product selection.

A site survey can help identify fabrication requirements, access limitations and future maintenance needs before the purchase is finalized.

CPCB Compliance Is Not the Same as a Marketing Claim

One of the most important distinctions for buyers is between an official approval/testing framework and a supplier's advertising statement.

A website might say:

“CPCB-approved RECD.”

The buyer should then ask:

Which manufacturer?
Which exact model?
Which engine/application?
Which certification documentation?
Which testing agency?
What current requirement applies?

CPCB's published procedure establishes the formal testing and type-approval framework.

The buyer should not treat a generic marketing sentence as sufficient evidence of compliance.

Does Every Industrial DG Automatically Need an RECD?

Not necessarily.

The applicability of an RECD should be evaluated against:

The specific DG set
Engine characteristics
Applicable emission requirements
Location
Current regulatory provisions
Any directions issued by competent authorities

This distinction is important because a general article about RECDs cannot determine the legal or regulatory status of every generator installation.

Industrial facilities should verify the current requirements applicable to their own DG sets.

What About Other CPCB DG Requirements?

CPCB has also published material concerning compliance with revised emission standards for power-generating-set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power.

This reinforces the need to distinguish between:

Emission standards for generator engines

and

The RECD testing/type-approval framework for retrofit devices.

They are related to generator emissions but should not be treated as the same document or requirement.

A facility evaluating an existing DG should therefore review the applicable regulatory framework as a whole.

Benefits of Evaluating an RECD

Where an RECD is technically and regulatory appropriate, an industrial facility may consider several potential benefits.

Retrofit Existing Equipment

A retrofit can allow an existing generator to be evaluated for an emissions-control approach without automatically replacing the complete DG.

Emissions Management

The purpose of the RECD is to control relevant emissions through the installed system.

Asset Planning

For an otherwise usable DG, a retrofit may form part of a broader emissions-management and asset-retention strategy.

Documented Technical Approach

A properly selected and documented product can provide useful technical records for facility management.

The actual value depends on the specific project and should not be assumed universally.

Compare RECD Manufacturers Carefully

RECD manufacturers in IndiaWhen evaluating , industrial buyers should use official information as one source for creating a shortlist.

Compare:

Documented engine-power applicability
Exact RECD model
Certification/test information
Installation capability
Warranty
Service
Spare-parts availability
Delivery
Total project cost

Do not automatically assume that the biggest manufacturer or lowest-price supplier is the best choice.

The correct product depends on the application.

Maintenance Is Part of Compliance Planning

Installing an RECD does not remove the need for regular DG and system maintenance.

Depending on the product, the facility may need to plan for:

Inspections
Sensor checks
Controller checks
Regeneration-related maintenance
Cleaning
Replacement components
Service visits

The exact schedule should come from the product manufacturer.

For industrial facilities with multiple DG sets, maintain separate maintenance records for each RECD.

Documentation Should Be Maintained at the Plant

For every installed RECD, keep:

DG Records

Engine model
Engine serial number
Gross mechanical power
DG rating

Product Records

Manufacturer
RECD model
Serial number
Technical datasheet
Relevant supporting documentation

Installation Records

Site survey
Installation report
Commissioning report
Photographs

Commercial Records

Purchase order
Invoice
Warranty documentation
Service records

This creates a traceable technical history for the equipment.

How Industrial Buyers Should Verify an RECD

Before purchase, use this sequence:

1. Identify

Collect accurate DG and engine details.

2. Match

Identify an RECD whose documented application corresponds to the generator.

3. Verify

Request relevant product and testing/type-approval documentation.

4. Inspect

Evaluate the existing exhaust and site conditions.

5. Install

Use an appropriate technical installation method.

6. Maintain

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance requirements.

7. Review

Continue checking the latest official regulatory requirements applicable to the facility.

This approach is more reliable than treating the purchase as a one-time compliance exercise.

Industrial Compliance Checklist

Before describing a DG project as compliant, confirm:

DG engine identified
Gross mechanical power verified
Exact RECD model identified
Application range confirmed
Relevant documentation reviewed
Installation completed appropriately
Commissioning completed
Maintenance plan established
Current CPCB information checked
Applicable State/UT requirements reviewed
Site-specific requirements considered

A supplier's marketing statement should not replace these checks.

Questions for Your RECD Supplier

Before approving the project, ask:

1. Which exact RECD model is suitable for my engine?

2. What gross mechanical power range does it cover?

3. What documentation supports the proposed application?

4. Which certification/testing agency is identified?

5. What exhaust modifications are required?

6. Who will perform installation and commissioning?

7. What maintenance is required?

8. What spare parts are available?

9. What warranty is provided?

10. What current regulatory requirements should we verify?

Written answers make the procurement and compliance review much clearer.

Final Thoughts

RECD system for industrial generatorsRECD manufacturers in IndiaIndustrial generators can play a critical role in maintaining plant operations, but emissions management should be approached as a technical and regulatory issue rather than a simple equipment purchase. The reason an may be considered depends on the specific DG, its engine, the applicable requirements and the facility's environmental objectives. CPCB's published RECD procedure provides a formal framework for emission-compliance testing and type approval of applicable retrofit devices for diesel power-generating-set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power. CPCB's separate material on compliance with revised generator-engine emission standards also demonstrates why facilities should review the applicable regulatory framework carefully rather than treating every DG-related requirement as an RECD requirement. For buyers comparing , the right selection should be based on the actual engine application, documented product suitability, installation capability, warranty, service and current official information—not simply on price or a “CPCB approved” marketing statement.

Why Industrial Generators Need a RECD System — CPCB Norms Explained

Everything Industrial Generator Owners Need to Know About the Rules Driving This Requirement