W H AT I S S E L E C T I V E C ATA LY T I C R E D U C T I O N ?

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a chemical process that reduces the pollution
produced by diesel engines. Specifically, SCR turns harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution into
nitrogen and water. NOx is produced during combustion and greatly contributes to the formation of
smog and acid rain. According to the Environmetal Protection Agency EPA “theoretically, SCR
systems can be designed for NOx removal efficiencies up close to 100 percent.”

In an SCR system, ammonia is injected and sprayed into the exhaust stream before it leaves
the tailpipe. SCR can be installed in a number of different locations in the exhaust system depending
upon the needs of the vehicle. The injected ammonia acts as a catalyst triggering the chemical
reaction necessary to turn NOx into nitrogen and water. In mobile vehicles, the ammonia solution
used is called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). We will take a closer look at DEF in a minute, but first…a
little history lesson. SCR technology was first patented in 1957 and was widely used for decades in
coal-fired power plants and other stationary industrial facilities that use combustion. SCR first became
a mobile technology in 2004, and was integrated into mobile diesel engines. After Japan introduced
stricter vehicle emissions standards,

WHAT IS DEF?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid is the key component of selective catalytic reduction. DEF is an aqueous
solution of deionized water and synthetic urea or ammonia. It is injected into the exhaust before it
even leaves the tailpipe. DEF has no effect on fuel economy or engine performance, because it is
only dispersed into the exhaust system.

Heavy Duty diesel vehicles manufactured after 2010 are equipped with a DEF tank that is
separate from the Diesel tank. DEF tanks typically have a blue cap to help drivers differentiate
between the 2 tanks.

It is dispersed in measured doses so there is a stable ratio between DEF and diesel fuel.
Medium and heavy-duty trucks operate at a dosing rate of 2-3%. The EPA now requires vehicle
manufacturers to build in a system of alerts to notify drivers of low DEF levels. When levels get too
low, diesel engines will go into limp mode and have limited performance until the tank gets refilled.

BALW/3Wh/IRS/E&T/OCTW3