Choosing the right RECD installation service for DG set is an important part of a retrofit project. Buying the equipment is only one stage; the installation must also account for the existing generator, exhaust arrangement, available space, fabrication requirements, commissioning and future service.

CPCB has published a formal procedure for emission-compliance testing of Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs) for diesel power-generating-set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power. The procedure was revised on July 24, 2023. For a 2026 installation, customers should therefore evaluate the product and installation together and verify the latest applicable CPCB and local regulatory requirements rather than treating installation as a routine mechanical job.

What Is RECD Installation?

RECD installation involves integrating the selected retrofit emission-control equipment with an existing diesel generator's exhaust system according to the manufacturer's technical requirements.

Depending on the project, installation may involve:

• Site inspection

• DG and engine verification

• Exhaust measurement

• Mounting preparation

• Flange or piping work

• Fabrication

• Equipment installation

• Associated electrical/control connections where applicable

• Commissioning

• Documentation

The exact scope depends on the RECD model and the DG installation.

Why Professional Installation Matters

An RECD is connected to a working generator system, so installation requires more than simply positioning equipment beside the DG.

The installation team needs to understand:

• Engine specifications

• Exhaust arrangement

• Available space

• Mounting requirements

• Pipe dimensions

• Flange configuration

• Maintenance access

• Manufacturer's installation instructions

CPCB's published procedure includes exhaust back pressure among the parameters addressed in the RECD testing framework.

That makes proper exhaust-system assessment an important part of retrofit planning.

Step 1: Collect DG Information

Before an installation team visits the site, provide the supplier with accurate generator information.

Useful details include:

DG-set manufacturer

Engine manufacturer

Engine model

Engine serial number

Gross mechanical power

DG rating in kVA

Existing exhaust-pipe diameter

Installation location

Also provide photographs of the engine nameplate, exhaust pipe, silencer and available installation area.

This allows the supplier to understand the application before arriving at the site.

Step 2: Verify the Proposed RECD

Installation should begin only after the proposed product has been technically identified.

Ask the supplier for:

• Exact RECD manufacturer

• Product/model number

• Applicable engine range

• Technical datasheet

• Installation requirements

• Relevant certification/test documentation

The product documentation should correspond to the exact device being installed.

Do not allow a site team to arrive with a generic product simply because it was described as an “RECD for DG.”

Step 3: Conduct a Site Inspection

A site inspection can identify installation issues before fabrication begins.

The technician may inspect:

Exhaust

• Pipe diameter

• Flanges

• Existing silencer

• Pipe bends

• Available straight length

Installation Area

• Available space

• Access

• Working height

• Equipment movement

Structural Arrangement

• Existing supports

• Mounting points

• Required brackets

• Additional fabrication

A proper survey can reduce the possibility of unexpected modifications during installation.

Step 4: Review the Exhaust Arrangement

The existing exhaust system should be measured rather than estimated.

Important information may include:

• Pipe diameter

• Flange dimensions

• Exhaust routing

• Silencer position

• Available clearance

• Existing supports

CPCB's RECD testing procedure addresses exhaust back pressure as part of the technical testing framework.

Therefore, the installer should consider the existing exhaust configuration when planning the retrofit.

Step 5: Finalize the Fabrication Requirement

Not every DG installation requires the same amount of fabrication.

Depending on the site, the installer may need:

• Flanges

• Pipe sections

• Bends

• Supports

• Mounting brackets

• Structural supports

• Welding

• Exhaust modifications

Before work begins, ask for a clear fabrication scope.

This is especially important for commercial projects because fabrication can affect both cost and installation time.

Step 6: Prepare the Installation Area

Before the equipment arrives, the customer should make the site ready.

Depending on the project, this may involve:

• Clearing access to the DG

• Providing safe working space

• Arranging required shutdown time

• Ensuring the DG room is accessible

• Removing obstacles around the exhaust

• Coordinating with facility maintenance teams

Good site preparation can reduce installation delays.

Step 7: Plan the DG Shutdown

An RECD installation may require the generator to be unavailable for a certain period.

Before fixing the installation date, discuss:

• Expected installation duration

• Required DG shutdown

• Fabrication time

• Commissioning time

• Availability of another backup generator

Facilities that depend heavily on standby power should coordinate the installation with a planned maintenance window wherever practical.

Step 8: Install the Equipment

Once the site is prepared and the required fabrication is complete, the technical team can install the RECD according to the manufacturer's installation requirements.

The work may include:

• Positioning

• Mounting

• Exhaust connections

• Supports

• Relevant controls or monitoring connections

• Inspection of completed work

The actual installation method will depend on the equipment and DG configuration.

Step 9: Inspect the Completed Installation

After the equipment is installed, the technician should verify the completed work.

The inspection may include:

• Mounting condition

• Exhaust connections

• Flange joints

• Supports

• Accessibility

• Equipment identification

• Relevant electrical/control connections

The installation team should also ensure that the equipment has been installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 10: Commission the System

Commissioning is the transition between installation and operational use.

Clarify with the supplier what commissioning includes.

Depending on the product, it may involve:

• Installation verification

• System checks

• Control-system checks

• Operational checks

• Recording relevant information

• Customer handover

Ask whether a commissioning report will be provided.

A written commissioning record is useful for future service and warranty discussions.

What the Customer May Need to Provide

The customer may be responsible for some site-related arrangements.

These can include:

• DG shutdown

• Site access

• Electrical isolation where required

• Working space

• Civil/structural arrangements

• Crane or lifting assistance where required

• Local permissions

• Access to technical personnel

The exact responsibilities should be established before installation.

Installation Cost and Project Planning

Installation pricing can depend on:

• DG size

• Exhaust configuration

• Site location

• Fabrication requirements

• Accessibility

• Number of DG sets

• Travel

• Commissioning requirements

For this reason, request an itemized quotation covering:

Equipment + Fabrication + Installation + Transportation + Commissioning

This provides a clearer view of the total project cost.

Why Choosing the Right Installer Matters

The equipment manufacturer and installer may be the same organization, or installation may be handled through an authorized service team or another technical contractor.

Before selecting an installer, establish:

• Who manufactured the RECD?

• Who will install it?

• Who is responsible for commissioning?

• Who provides the warranty?

• Who handles installation-related complaints?

• Who provides future service?

A clear chain of responsibility helps prevent confusion after commissioning.

Manufacturer-Supported Installation

Manufacturer-supported installation can provide an advantage because the technical team is familiar with the product's intended installation requirements.

For example, Aceget states on its official product pages that its RECD offerings include on-site service. Its product pages also identify specific product ratings, installation support and standard warranty information for individual models.

Customers should confirm the exact installation scope for their selected model rather than assuming that every installation package is identical.

Installation for Different DG Sizes

Installation requirements can vary considerably between smaller and larger generators.

For example, an RECD for a 75 kVA/60 kW DG is a different application from an RECD for a 500 kVA/400 kW DG.

Aceget publishes separate product information for these applications, including model-specific ratings and on-site service availability.

This reinforces the importance of selecting the installation arrangement based on the actual DG and RECD model.

Installation for Industrial Applications

Industrial sites may require additional planning because DG installations can involve:

• Restricted working areas

• Multiple generators

• Long exhaust routes

• Complex fabrication

• Production schedules

• Multiple maintenance teams

For these projects, treat installation as a planned engineering activity rather than a simple delivery service.

A site survey and detailed method statement can help coordinate the work.

For organizations installing an RECD system for industrial generators, the installation plan should also account for access, shutdown requirements, maintenance space and future serviceability.

Common Installation Problems to Avoid

Incorrect Measurements

Wrong exhaust dimensions can create fabrication delays.

Inadequate Clearance

Insufficient space can make future maintenance difficult.

Unclear Responsibility

Disputes can occur when the supplier and local contractor assume the other is responsible for fabrication.

Poor Scheduling

Installing during an unexpected DG shutdown can disrupt operations.

Incomplete Documentation

Missing model or commissioning records can complicate future warranty claims.

These problems are often easier to prevent before installation than to correct afterward.

Documentation After Installation

Ask the supplier to provide appropriate records, which may include:

• Installation report

• Commissioning report

• Equipment/model identification

• Serial number

• Warranty documentation

• Maintenance instructions

• Relevant technical documents

Maintain these records with the DG asset information.

For multiple generators, create one record for each installed RECD.

Post-Installation Service

Installation should not be considered the end of the supplier relationship.

Ask about:

• Technical support

• Service visits

• Spare parts

• Preventive maintenance

• Warranty claims

• Troubleshooting

Aceget's product information indicates on-site service and warranty availability for its listed RECD products, but exact coverage should be confirmed for the model and quotation being purchased.

CPCB Verification Should Be Product-Specific

CPCB has published a formal procedure for testing and type approval of RECDs for applicable diesel genset engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power.

However, customers should avoid treating the existence of an RECD installation as an automatic blanket statement of compliance.

Before installation, verify:

• Exact RECD model

• Applicable engine range

• Relevant official documentation

• Current CPCB requirements

• State/UT requirements where applicable

• Any site-specific regulatory directions

This is particularly important when the project is being undertaken specifically for compliance purposes.

Installation Checklist for DG Owners

Before the technical team arrives:

• DG details provided

• Engine model confirmed

• Gross mechanical power confirmed

• RECD model finalized

• Exhaust dimensions provided

• Site access arranged

• Shutdown window confirmed

• Fabrication scope agreed

• Installation date confirmed

After installation:

• Exhaust connections inspected

• Mounting checked

• Relevant controls checked

• Commissioning completed

• Installation report received

• Warranty documentation received

• Maintenance instructions received

• Service contact recorded

Questions to Ask Your Installation Provider

Before approving the work, ask:

1. Has the site been technically assessed?

2. What RECD model will be installed?

3. What fabrication is required?

4. Is fabrication included in the quotation?

5. How long will the DG remain unavailable?

6. Who performs commissioning?

7. What documentation will be provided after installation?

8. Who handles warranty-related installation issues?

9. What future service support is available?

10. What current official requirements should we verify before commissioning?

Clear answers make the installation process much easier to manage.

Final Thoughts

A successful RECD project is about more than delivering a device to a DG site. The RECD installation service for DG set should connect the product's technical requirements with the generator's actual exhaust arrangement, site conditions, fabrication needs and commissioning process. Begin with accurate DG information and a technical site assessment. Confirm the exact RECD model and relevant documentation before installation. Then define fabrication, mounting, installation, commissioning and post-installation support in writing. For customers deploying an RECD system for industrial generators, professional planning can also help minimize operational disruption and make future maintenance easier. Aceget currently states that it provides RECD installation and on-site service support, with model-specific product information and warranty details published on its website. Customers should confirm the exact product, installation scope, warranty and service terms for their individual DG project before ordering.