QUESTION:
I’m hearing through the grapevine that once again truck emission standards are about to change and it will likely push up prices again. In this economy, tell me it isn’t so. We have planned to buy another truck, maybe two. But if prices are going up, maybe we’ll keep what we have. What is going on with this?
Barry Jenson
Lexington, Ky.
ANSWER:
The news is that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission standards for diesel engines are going to be stricter in 2010. It is a fairly complicated change, but I will attempt to summarize the changes and explain how much it will add to the cost of trucks. Truck manufacturers have approached this deadline with two different solutions:
Advanced EGR
First we will discuss Navistar (International trucks) and its approach to meeting the EPA requirements. Navistar has re-engineered pistons and injectors so fuel will burn more efficiently and cleaner. This system utilizes an Advanced EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system that is a notch above what is currently in use on most trucks.
By re-designing pistons and injectors, Navistar takes up no more space than the current emissions systems. Consequently, businesses that construct the bodies for the new trucks will not have to alter their current designs or engineering to accommodate the stricter standards. The increased price for this system appears to be between $6,000 and $8,000.
As of this date, Navistar is the only manufacturer to redesign pistons and fuel injectors.
SCR Technology
Second, many of the manufacturers have added what is called SCR Technology (selective catalytic reduction). This system does not attempt to change anything with the pistons or the injectors. But it takes the current engine and supplements it with a small tank of urea, a compound composed of 34 percent ammonia and 66 percent water.
Along with this tank comes extra wiring and sensors to manage the injection flow of urea into the truck’s exhaust stream to convert the harmful NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions into two natural components of the air we breathe: pure nitrogen and water vapor.
This system was developed in Europe, where it has been used for many years. Typical plans call for a four- or five-gallon urea tank, adding 50 to 60 pounds to the truck, and that for every 100 gallons of diesel fuel, trucks will need approximately 2-3 gallons of urea. Note that the urea will need replenishing from time to time and this will add some additional maintenance costs to the truck.
For truck body builders this will mean re-designing their trucks to allow for this extra tank and miscellaneous equipment. Just a note for those in cold country: urea freezes below 11 degrees F. Theoretically, engine heat will thaw the urea and it will maintain its molecular structure. So it is still useful, but pumpers need to know how this thawing process will work. This system (SCR) will meet the EPA requirements and will be on trucks with the Volvo, Mack, Western Star and Freightliner badges, as well as others. This system will add approximately $9,000 to the price of a truck.
A Final Word
So what does it mean for liquid waste haulers? If you’re considering buying a truck, you could get a leftover 2009 and avoid the issue entirely for now. But looking forward, when engines with the tougher pollution standards are the only option, take a look at both systems before you buy. Make sure you understand what you are buying.
