SCR Technology

Reports show that diesel vehicles account for more than 40% of new vehicles in Europe today, they also show that vehicles’ being equipped with SCR technology is growing at an incredible pace – latest figures indicate by an average of 25,000 per month.
In just two short years between 2006 and 2008, the industry grew from 30,000 vehicles to more than 500,000 heavy duty SCR equipped trucks.  This rate is continuing to climb as more and more companies can see the benefits and are upgrading their fleets.
According to data from Integer-Research demand for AdBlue has increased from 55,000 tons in 2006 to over 415,000 tons in 2007 and usage continues to rise.

Costly Error for Northern Haulier

Recently a company (who wishes to remain anonymous) based in Crewe found themselves with a costly bill when they discovered that their new Renault Magnum’s NOx reduction system had become polluted.

The problem was first noticed when the operator called in to report the truck was operating at reduced RPM, after a lengthily visit to the local distributorship it was discovered that the cause of the problem was emulsified injector lines.

Further to receiving a bill exceeding £3500 and being advised that the failed SCR injector had been polluted with oil, the company director set off on a mission to find the source of the trouble before further trucks fell victim to the same problem.

The following investigation identified that the problem was caused by an operator using a non-dedicated container to transfer AdBlue from the IBC to the vehicle.  

The operator admitted to using a jug which had previously been used to top up engine oil and antifreeze and despite receiving a ‘quick rinse’ had led to contamination of the lines. Fortunately, the new magnum was the only truck to have received AdBlue from this container.

To confirm, AdBlue is highly susceptible to contamination and as little as 10ml of Oil present in a 70 litre fill can corrupt the system causing irreversible damage.

For more information on how to protect your AdBlue from contamination and increase the lifespan of your SCR, visit: www.handling-adblue.co.uk

Amended Euro V limits for NOx

Euro V due to become effective next year will require manufacturers to meet lower NOx emission standards than the current Euro IV standard.

With new limits specified at 80% lower than the current requirement pressure has been applied to the European Parliament, who’s Environmental Committee is backing new proposals to amend the target rate from 0.4 to 0.5g/kWh.

Additionally the same committee members are hoping to move the next tier of the standard (Euro VI) back from April 2013 to January 2014.

As with current standards, vehicle manufacturers are required to produce compliant vehicles at least one year prior to the effective date to ensure availability.

Manufacturers using SCR to meet Euro V include: Scania, Renault, DAF, Mercedes, Volvo & Iveco.

New Higher Ratio Set for Ultra AdBlue ?

In order to combat the ultra low limits for NOx as defined within the USA’s impending EPA2010 legislation, a Urea solution with a higher concentration is currently being tested.

Various US based offices of Volvo and Mercedes are running trials with the new mixture which incorporates a 40:60 ratio of Urea to De-ionised water

It is believed that the 40% Urea solution (which is 25% higher than the European standard for AdBlue) is needed to ensure that the SCR remains efficient whilst reaching the 0.27g/kWh as specified within the forthcoming stateside environmental legislation.

With limits for Euro V coming under review, it has been speculated that a new Ultra-AdBlue Solution may be required in the near future leading to a new ISO set of standards.