Cummins confirms emissions strategy

Cummins confirms strategy for next emissions step

Cummins has confirmed that its heavy-duty ISM, ISX and Signature engines will basically remain unchanged for Australia’s next emissions step, ADR80-03, in 2011.

“Cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) will remain our core emissions reduction technology. We will not be adding selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to the ISM, ISX or Signature for ADR80-03,” says Sean McLean, heavy-duty product manager for Cummins South Pacific.

“The use of cooled EGR is a successful, consistent approach for our customers. It means that today’s ISM, ISX and Signature engines will continue unchanged in Australia and New Zealand through to at least 2014.”

There are currently more than 2,600 ISX and Signature EGR engines in service in Australia. “The one difference for ADR80-03 will be the addition of the Cummins Particulate Filter in the exhaust system,” says McLean.

Designed to last the life of the vehicle, the Cummins Particulate Filter comprises both a diesel oxidation catalyst and particulate filter. Additionally, a simple crankcase filter will be fitted on the ISM, ISX and Signature and will require changing every third or fourth oil change.

The ISX engine to be introduced in North America in 2010, which uses a combination of EGR and SCR as well as the new XPI extra-high-pressure common rail fuel system, will not be required in Australia until at least 2014.

“By the time we come to use that engine, it will have been in service in North America for four years and we will have carried out our own extensive testing to ensure reliability and durability,” says McLean.

Cummins has also confirmed that its mid-range engines will use SCR technology for ADR80-03. The 6.7-litre ISBe and 8.9-litre ISLe currently offered in DAF and Kenworth models respectively in Australia already use SCR exhaust aftertreatment.

Cummins has been using SCR in Europe since 2006. The technology uses a urea-based fluid and a catalytic converter to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions.

“With SCR, the emissions are tackled downstream of the engine in the exhaust system. This means we are able to optimize engine combustion for improved fuel economy and also reduce heat rejection to the cooling system. This gives the option of higher ratings,” says Scott Alexander, mid-range product manager for Cummins South Pacific.

“Also, the supply of urea is not a problem in medium-duty applications because most are metropolitan or regional back-to-base operations.”

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