Don't Replace Your Diesel Generators: Upgrade with RECD to Meet India's Emission Standards


India's approach to diesel generator emissions has changed significantly in recent years. The significant increase in air pollution has become a major concern for the government. The Central Pollution Control Board and CAQM have set strict rules and regulations for diesel generators of more than 125 kVA. The government is imposing heavy fines on businesses that fail to comply with these regulations. Along with the ban on generators, these businesses could even face shutdowns.

With stricter environmental regulations, increased inspections, and greater focus on air quality, industries operating older diesel generators are under pressure to reduce emissions without disrupting business operations.


Don't Replace Your Diesel Generators: Upgrade with RECD to Meet India's Emission Standards

For many organizations, replacing an existing generator is not an immediate option. A functioning generator may still be mechanically sound, yet fail to meet today's emission expectations. This is where an RECD Kit becomes a practical and future-focused solution.

A Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) is designed to be installed on existing diesel generators to significantly reduce particulate matter (PM) and harmful gases like HC, CO and NOx emissions from the exhaust. Instead of replacing existing gensets and investing in a completely new generator, businesses can retrofit their existing equipment, improve environmental compliance, and continue using assets that still have years of operational life remaining.

Whether you operate a manufacturing facility, hospital, commercial building, warehouse, educational institution, or infrastructure project, an RECD kit offers an efficient path toward cleaner operation with minimal interruption to your business.

Why Are RECD Kits Becoming Essential in India?

Across India, environmental compliance is no longer viewed as an optional improvement. It has become an operational responsibility. Industries today frequently undergo: Pollution Control Board inspections Environmental audits Factory compliance assessments Client sustainability evaluations Government project inspections ESG and environmental reporting

Organisations working on government tenders, construction projects, industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, hospitality, and commercial infrastructure are increasingly expected to demonstrate responsible emission control practices.

Many facilities continue to rely on older diesel generators because they remain reliable during power outages. However, these legacy generators generally emit higher levels of particulate matter than modern systems.

Choosing the practical solution is better than changing the entire genset

Replacing an entire diesel generator often requires major planning, approvals, transportation, civil work, and production downtime. The diesel generator may be old, but it can still function effectively for the next 10 to 15 years. Moreover, the cost of purchasing a new generator is many times higher than upgrading an old one through retrofitting.

In such a scenario, replacing it, especially when a practical solution like RECD is available, is not a wise decision for industries. For many businesses, retrofitting an RECD kit provides a practical alternative that helps reduce emissions while extending the service life of existing equipment.

Why Replacing an Old Generator Isn't Practical?

When emission regulations become stricter, the first thought is often, "Should we replace the generator?" In reality, replacing a diesel generator involves far more than purchasing new equipment. Businesses may also need to consider:

Production shutdown during replacement
Removal of existing equipment
Crane handling and transportation
Foundation modifications
Civil construction work
Electrical rewiring
New control panel integration
Fresh statutory approvals
Disposal or resale of the old generator
Procurement lead time
Installation scheduling
Operational disruption

For facilities that depend on continuous power backup, these challenges can directly affect productivity and project timelines. Where the existing generator remains mechanically healthy, installing an RECD kit can often be a more practical and less disruptive approach to improving emission performance.

How Does an RECD Kit Work?

Although the technology inside an RECD is advanced, its working principle is straightforward. RECD fit inside the diesel generator with connected to its exhaust. RECD stands for Retrofit Emission Control Device. The retrofit device not only reduces the PM but is also effective in controlling harmful compounds like CO, HC and NOx.

Step 1
Diesel Engine
Step 2
Hot Exhaust Gas
Step 3
Catalytic and Filtration Section
Step 4
Particulate Matter Captured
Step 5
Cleaner Exhaust Released

The RECD features a special honeycomb-like structure and a coating of costly metals that safely converts toxic gases into air. Without generating any other harmful waste. It is not an ordinary mesh but a high-tech chemical and mechanical converter.

As exhaust gases pass through the RECD, harmful particulate matter is trapped within the filtration system. Depending on the design, the collected particles are periodically removed through a controlled regeneration process that restores filtration efficiency.

Electrical Working of an RECD System

One of the most overlooked aspects of an RECD is its intelligent electrical control system. A modern RECD is not merely a filter attached to the exhaust. It continuously monitors operating conditions to ensure reliable performance. Typical electrical components include:

The Central Pollution Control Board has set strict rules regardless of pollution. With the help of stations, they keep monitoring and analysing data collection.

  1. Intelligent Control Panel: The control panel acts as the central monitoring unit, supervising the operating condition of the RECD and displaying system status.
  2. Temperature Sensors: Sensors monitor exhaust temperatures to ensure the system operates within the required thermal range and to support regeneration when necessary
  3. Pressure Sensors: Pressure sensors measure the pressure difference across the filtration system. A gradual increase indicates soot accumulation and helps determine when regeneration or maintenance is required.
  4. Automatic Regeneration Cycle: When operating conditions permit, the RECD performs controlled regeneration to remove accumulated particulate matter and restore filtration performance.
  5. Continuous Monitoring: The system continuously checks temperature, pressure, and operational status, helping maintain efficient emission control throughout generator operation.
  6. Safety Alarms: Modern RECD systems include alarms and protective functions that notify operators if abnormal operating conditions are detected.
  7. Power Supply: The electrical control unit receives power from the generator system, allowing continuous monitoring whenever the generator is running.

Together, these components help ensure that the RECD operates efficiently without requiring constant manual supervision.

The RECD Kits Kumar Generator House Supply

Kumar Generator House is an auhtorized supplies of Kirloskar Generators, as well as an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. The RECD kits we supply are designed to help organisations retrofit existing diesel generators while maintaining dependable operation. While new diesel generators are already manufactured in compliance with CPCB IV+ norms, existing industries operating older CPCB II-compliant generators can upgrade them using tailored retrofit kits designed specifically for their generator models.

Why Kumar Generator House

  1. Up to 90% Particulate Matter (PM) reduction to seamlessly meet strict CPCB IV+ compliance norms.
  2. 100% reliable automated regeneration process ensuring zero manual intervention and continuous peak performance.
  3. Custom-engineered for older generator models to ensure a flawless and secure retrofit installation.
  4. Heavy-duty industrial-grade construction tested to operate efficiently in extreme environments up to 50°C.
  5. Intelligent IoT monitoring system tracking emissions and generator health metrics with 99.9% data accuracy.
  6. Less than 6-hour quick installation time causes minimal disruption to your daily factory operations.
  7. 5-step easy inspection design reducing your annual maintenance time by over 40%.
  8. Zero-cost technical consultation and site assessment are conducted before final deployment.
  9. Pan-India network across 25+ states ensures rapid component supply and immediate on-ground support.
  10. 24/7 expert installation guidance backed by a dedicated after-sales technical assistance team.

Every installation begins with a technical evaluation to ensure the selected RECD is suitable for the generator and application.

Compatible Diesel Generator Brands

RECD compatibility depends on several technical factors, including:

  1. Generator capacity
  2. Engine manufacturer
  3. Engine model
  4. Exhaust configuration
  5. Operating conditions
  6. Year of manufacture
  7. Generator duty cycle
  8. Daily operating hours
  9. Available installation space

Following technical assessment, RECD kits can be integrated with generators from many leading manufacturers, including:

Kirloskar
Cummins
Mahindra Powerol
JCB
Ashok Leyland
Caterpillar
Perkins
Eicher
Greaves
Volvo Penta
Mitsubishi
MTU

Compatibility should always be confirmed through an engineering inspection rather than generator capacity alone.

Industries That Benefit from RECD Installation

RECD kits are suitable for a wide range of sectors that depend on diesel generators for backup or continuous power.

Manufacturing Plants
Hospitals
Hotels
Commercial Buildings
Data Centres
Warehouses
Pharmaceutical Facilities
Food Processing Units
Construction Projects
Educational Institutions
Government Buildings
Industrial Infrastructure

Any organization operating legacy diesel generators while seeking cleaner emissions can benefit from retrofit emission control solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an RECD kit for a diesel generator?
An RECD (Retrofit Emission Control Device) is an exhaust emission control system installed on an existing diesel generator to reduce particulate matter emissions.
Is an RECD mandatory in India?
Requirements depend on applicable environmental regulations, project specifications, and local authority guidelines. Businesses should verify compliance requirements based on their location and application.
Can I install an RECD on my existing DG set?
Yes. Most RECD systems are specifically designed for retrofit installation, provided the generator is technically compatible.
Does an RECD reduce smoke emissions?
Yes. RECD systems are designed to significantly reduce particulate matter, which contributes to visible diesel smoke.
Which generators are compatible with RECD kits?
Compatibility depends on engine specifications, exhaust configuration, and operating conditions rather than brand alone.
How long does RECD installation take?
Installation time varies according to generator size and site conditions, but retrofit projects generally require significantly less downtime than complete generator replacement.
Does installing an RECD affect generator performance?
When correctly selected and professionally installed, an RECD is designed to control emissions while maintaining normal generator operation.
What maintenance does an RECD require?
Routine inspection, monitoring, and scheduled maintenance help maintain efficient filtration and long-term performance.
Is replacing a DG set better than installing an RECD?
Not always. If the existing generator remains mechanically reliable, retrofitting an RECD may provide a more practical and cost-effective solution.
Can Kumar Generator House provide RECD installation across India?
Yes. Kumar Generator House offers Pan India technical support, installation assistance, commissioning, and after-sales service.
Will an RECD help during pollution control inspections?
An RECD supports emission reduction efforts, but overall compliance depends on applicable regulations, installation quality, and operating conditions.
How do I know whether my generator requires an RECD?
A technical assessment considering engine specifications, operating conditions, and applicable environmental requirements is the best way to determine whether an RECD is suitable.