Less Than Three Months and Counting: EPA Emissions 2010

Since it’s been awhile since we have talked about it, I thought I would refresh every one’s memory about the new emissions regulations that will take place in 2010. In other words, the whole SCR Vs. EGR dilemma. SCR is one of the choices that you have to comply with the new regulations, the other choice is to have an EGR engine that is also emission compliant (like the MaxxForce Advanced EGR).

What the heck are SCR and EGR anyway? SCR stands for Selective Catalytic Reduction and if you own a tractor trailer it may very well be affecting you in 2010. EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. According to a brochure (entitled: The Truth About SCR) that I picked at MATS this year it states: “The SCR process uses a catalytic reaction to convert diesel NOx emissions into benign nitrogen gas and water which are present in the air we breathe. In-Cylinder EGR lowers NOx production by recycling higher levels of exhaust back through the engine to reduce the combustion temperature.” But which one is the right choice?

Wouldn’t it be nice to just get in your truck, turn the key, and go? MaxxForce Advanced EGR the way to go for 2010 emissions.

If you look at the quick facts that are out there about SCR you will find several rather discouraging things about using it. Some are: having to have an “add-on” unit in order to make you truck compliant, the use of urea (DEF which is Diesel Exhaust Fluid which is estimated to cost $2.75/gallon IF you pump it at a truck stop), maintenance involved with the add-on unit, the availability and cost of urea, how the urea will perform in cold weather (it is said that DEF will freeze below 12 degrees at which time the tank will have to be thawed in order for a truck to be operational), and one of the most important things – the added weight of the add-on unit required in order to be compliant.

Now let’s look at the EGR side of things, in particular the MaxxForce Advanced EGR. What are the pros of it? No added weight (no add-on needed), no temperature issues, no extra maintenance required (because you have no add-on), no worry of extra weight added to your truck, no certification is necessary, and no worry about how to store urea (if you have your own business).

The choice is pretty cut and dry, if you have the ability to choose which route to go, I would highly suggest going the EGR route. It just makes sense. You do not want any more weight on your truck than what is absolutely necessary, you definitely do not want the added expense of the urea, the fear of being broke down on the side of the highway because you have ran out of urea or it has frozen (in winter like conditions), and who wants to worry about having to find a Pilot, TA, Love’s, Petro, or Flying J in order to buy the urea.

Instead wouldn’t it be nice to just get in your truck, turn the key, and go? MaxxForce Advanced EGR the way to go for 2010 emissions.