EU Regulations Met with Diesel Aftertreatment: Multispares
In truck and bus industries worldwide, the continuous effort to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles is of the utmost importance. This emphasis on environmental protection has resulted in stringent regulations for worldwide automotive emission standards—one prime example being the Euro 6 regulations by the European Union (EU).
Diesel Aftertreatment Solution (ATS) is a technology engineered to treat diesel engine exhaust emissions before being released into the atmosphere. These technologies are intricately designed to reduce harmful emissions and to allow compliance with strict regulatory standards—including those regulated under the EU’s Euro 6 truck exhaust standards.
Here is an overview of ATS, its use on your truck fleet and the appropriate truck and trailer parts you need to enact and maintain EU standards.
The Need for Aftertreatment Solutions
The core purpose behind developing ATS is the reduction of harmful pollutants from diesel engine emissions. Truck diesel engine exhausts typically contain several harmful elements such as Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM), Hydrocarbons (HC), and Carbon Monoxide (CO). These pose grave environmental and health risks, catalysing the need for efficient treatment solutions.
Under the Euro 6 regulations, mandatory emission limits have been set on these harmful exhaust components. Any diesel vehicle operating within the EU must comply with these limits to remain in operation. Over time, these standards have tightened permissible limits for NOx and PM emitted from diesel engines, requiring more efficient aftertreatment solutions.
Diesel Aftertreatment Technologies: An Overview
Diesel Aftertreatment Solutions incorporate four primary technologies to meet emission standards.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a leading ATS technology that reduces NOx emissions. The system operates by using a particular catalyst to introduce a liquid-reducing agent (or reductant) into a diesel engine’s exhaust flow. The reductant source is usually automotive-grade urea, also known as AdBlue or Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). A chemical reaction converts NOx into nitrogen and water, both harmless to the environment. SCR systems are efficient in operating temperatures typically found in motorway driving.
Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) are designed to remove soot particles from truck exhaust. The DPF traps exhaust particulates, preventing them from escaping into the atmosphere. To prevent the DPF from clogging over time, it periodically goes through a regeneration process where accumulated soot is burnt off at high temperatures, leaving only an ash residue.
Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC): DOCs facilitate oxidation reactions that transform carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): EGR works by rerouting a portion of an engine’s exhaust gas back to the engine cylinders. This procedure reduces the oxygen that drives the combustion process, lowering combustion temperatures and NOx emissions.
Striving Forward: Meeting the EU Regulations
Complying with the EU’s stringent emission standards necessitates the incorporation of a well-optimised Diesel Aftertreatment Solution. These technologies have been instrumental in newer diesel engines becoming cleaner and more efficient while successfully limiting their environmental footprint.
However, regular checks and maintenance of these systems are also necessary for their continued effective operation. Monitoring parameters such as the optimal reductant level in SCR, regular cleaning and regeneration in DPFs, and ensuring no leaks in the truck exhaust system are crucial for adhering to the EU’s standards.
Sourcing The Right Parts
OEMs have adopted various strategies to comply with the EU emission regulations, including SCR-based ATS or EGR combined with DOC and Partial Oxidation Catalysts (POC). Companies like Dinex (a leading exhaust and emission control solution provider) offer a wide range of products supporting OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) with both technical routes. In addition to providing coating technologies for DOC and POC, the company also specialises in manufacturing metallic substrates and partial flow filters, also known as Particle Oxidation Catalysts (POCs).
There is now global pressure to produce and maintain green, compliant vehicle fleets.
ATS provides tangible solutions through high-quality truck parts to decrease harmful diesel emissions effectively, thereby achieving the EU’s stringent standards. Maintaining these systems is vital for longevity, performance, and ongoing compliance.
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