Cummins to use SCR for 2010 Engines!

[TAbbott]

A front page article in the August 18, 2008 edition of Transport Topics is entitled: "Cummins Inc. Reverses Course, Will Use SCR for 2010 Engines"



The article quoted Jeffrey Jones, VP of sales and market Communications for Cummins who said: "Our SCR system will deliver up to a 5% increase in fuel efficiency over today's solution, and that was the most compelling reason to make this change. "



The article primarily addressed larger Cummins diesels used in heavy duty big rigs, but in my opinion it would not be surprising if this solution (SCR) also filters down to the smaller diesels used in Dodge pickups.



As problematic as the emissions equipment has been on the Gen 4 engines, if it could effectively be supplanted by the addition of a Urea tank and spray system and result in the removal of the EGR nonsense, the cam profile that won't fully scavenge the cylinder of spent gases, and result in improved fuel mileage of 5% (I think it would actually be more than that on these smaller engines) I think they could count me in as one favoring such a change.



I know the current system is supposed to be 2010 compliant, but if they could get the fuel mileage back up to the older 12V levels by switching to a different emissions reduction system, it seems to me that most folks would welcome the Urea. I believe this would be possible, especially in light of the lower rpms at which the new engines are designed to operate, and all of the new and improved support systems that are now in use on these newer models: Better pistons, improved cooling systems, higher injection pressures, more accurate timing, etc.



Further, if the competitive engines will be using the Urea systems, Cummins will almost certainly have to follow suit, just because of the improved efficiency and fuel mileage. It just wouldn't do if the Duramax's and Fords were more fuel efficient than the Cummins, which could happen if they utilized SCR and Dodge/Cummins did not.

 

[CUMMINZ]

5% is NOTHING... DC will have to promise me a whole lot more than 5% to get me to move away from my truck. My truck will be three years old when 2010s come out and if I trade and have to lay out 20k to trade... #@$%! I can by a lot of fuel for 20k. :-laf

 

[MHammond]

then the issues with add cost of urea and availability!

 

[TAbbott]

That may be true unless you're running a big rig 150,000 miles per year or so. 5% in that situation could mean 1500 gallons at whatever the per gallon cost is 2-3-4 years or more down the trail.



That'd mean about $6600 per year in fuel costs at $4. 40 per gallon and $7500at $5. 00. Too much to ignore, especially across a fleet. The annual urea cost shouldn't exceed about $400 per unit in that scenario, so a big net plus using SCR.



And, if I'm right and the net gains on the smaller engines are significantly more, probably more like 10% at least, everything else being equal, that's a pretty big deal.

 

[TAbbott]

There was another article on page 36 of that same issue of Transport Topics entitled: "Attention Turns to Urea Infrastructure Now most OEMs Have Opted for SCR"



In that article, Micahael Delaney, senior VP of marketing for Daimler Trucks North America (builders of Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star Trucks among others and also part of the ownership group of Detroit Diesel, Mercedes Benz Diesel and MTU Diesel engines) said: "There is almost no chance we won't have a distibution system in place by 2010. " "It's only a question of how best to do it. "



Virtually every truck dealership and truckstop in the US will be distributing the urea if their plans come together. There would certainly be a market for it, as it is anticipated that there will be a demand for the urea approximating 2% of the volume of diesel fuel consumed by the SCR equipped engines.



Other outlets would also be available as the intent is to distribute the urea in 2. 5 gallon containers, 55 gallon drums, 275 gallon intermediate bulk containers and in bulk.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

From what I read (no expert by any means!) SCR will not negate the need for a DPF and EGR, but will replace the oxidation catalyst for Nox reduction. I expect there is a good chance this will make it onto the 6. 7's.



SHG

 

[CUMMINZ]

Depending on your year model, it will still cost you big bucks to trade up. Let's say $25k or 35k. @ 5% how long will it take to recoup that 35k?

 

[RHestand]

Honda has a prototype four cyl. , turbo diesel, that is 2010 compliant,with no DPF or SCR.

IMO, that means the technology is out there, and it's only a matter of time till all this Band-Aid stuff is history.

I would never underestimate human ingenuity.

 

[Drdorian]

Honda has a prototype four cyl. , turbo diesel, that is 2010 compliant,with no DPF or SCR.

I think this is what you are referring to:Honda Worldwide | January 13, 2008 "Acura Will Introduce Clean Diesel i-DTEC Engine in 2009 "



While there is no urea on this product it does have a DPF.

 

[GButia]

very interesting... Cummins Please read!

 

[pcarlson]

I think this is what you are referring to:Honda Worldwide | January 13, 2008 "Acura Will Introduce Clean Diesel i-DTEC Engine in 2009 "



While there is no urea on this product it does have a DPF.

I think the article was not giving us all the info on this motor. It doesn't need urea but does use ammonia (the key ingrediant in urea) from its diesel fuel as part of the treatment.