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Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific Railroad are conducting a study to find ways to reduce pollutants emitted by 20,000 locomotive engines. Many of the engines — manufactured between 1973 and 2000, before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency implemented stricter emission standards — will require retrofits.

The study will include an analysis of Rypos Inc.'s Active Filter™, an electronically controlled emissions trap designed to eliminate 70 percent to 90 percent of particulates, automatically self-clean, reduce downtime and maintenance costs, and minimize fuel usage.

"The filter is made of sintered metal — a highly porous mesh of very fine metal fibers that look like steel wool and can withstand high heat," said Rypos President and founder Klaus Peter in a prepared statement.

Filter tests in railroad applications are being conducted in conjunction with the West Coast Diesel Emissions Reductions Collaborative. Involving 400 private and government entities, the collaborative plans to develop voluntary solutions, incentives and shared approaches to reduce pollutants emitted by diesel engines in California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska before federally mandated deadlines take effect.