Heavy duty diesel-emissions control

BASF developed an innovative Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology that enables heavy-duty diesel trucks to comply with stringent Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission regulations.  It is in serial production on the flagship model of a major European truck manufacturer.

Euro 4 standards, call for a 30% reduction of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Euro 5 standards are projected to require an additional 40% reduction in NOx emissions.

The SCR catalyst comprises a catalytically-active component coated on a ceramic honeycomb. In the presence of a reductant, such as AdBlue by BASF, the catalyst promotes a chemical reaction that converts NOx into water and nitrogen.

The SCR catalyst can readily achieve NOx-removal efficiencies greater than 80% (depending on operating conditions), and is easily integrated into an existing truck chassis through technology leveraged from catalytic converters on passenger cars. BASF originally pioneered SCR technology in the late-'60s for stationary-source applications, such as power-generating and industrial manufacturing facilities. The company continues to be a major supplier to the stationary-source market around the world.

SCR is just one of many technology platforms developed by BASF to meet the world’s growing demands for emission-control technologies and help its customers to be more successful.