Automotive emission control technologies have evolved to comply with EPA and EU regulations on emissions. Since January 2010, all heavy-duty diesel truck engines have been required to meet EPA emissions standards, reducing particulate matter (soot) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to near-zero levels. Additionally, off-road equipment must adhere to EPA’s Tier 4 emissions standards, which require similar reductions in NOx, soot, and other pollutants. There is a need for a long-term solution. Read on to learn of the benefits of recoring.
To meet these emission standards and reduce the total cost of ownership, diesel vehicle manufacturers increasingly rely on emission control systems such as Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). However, these systems require regular maintenance.
Diesel Components Inc. now offers Recore, a patented technology designed to save owners time and money by servicing and repairing these emission control systems rather than replacing them. The benefits of recoring are significant.
Why is Emission Control Important?
Diesel automobile emissions contain pollutants that are harmful to the environment. These pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), unburnt fuel and oil, and particulate matter. If these pollutants are not treated within the vehicle before being released into the atmosphere, they can cause significant damage to human health and the environment.
How Are Emissions Controlled?
The EPA has stringent emission norms that must be met. To comply with these standards, Diesel automobile manufacturers have invested significant funds in R&D to develop emission control technologies.
Let’s look at some of the technologies.
- Diesel Oxidation Catalyst or DOC
- Diesel Particulate Filter or DPF
- Selective Catalytic Reduction or SCR
Why Are Pollutants Generated in An Automobile?
Diesel is a hydrocarbon fuel. Combustion of diesel fuel and air generates exhaust gases that must be released into the atmosphere. These exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants harmful to the environment. Additionally, the gases include particulate matter (soot) that must be removed before being emitted through the tailpipe. In some cases, poor diesel maintenance can lead to uncontrolled emissions.
Cost of Compliance
Due to stringent standards enforced by the EPA in the U.S., auto OEMs are required to install pollution control devices in vehicles. However, it is the owners’ responsibility to maintain these devices throughout their lifespan. If these devices are not properly checked and maintained, they may malfunction, leading to the emission of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This could result in significant fines and penalties from regulatory agencies.
Additionally, failure to maintain the emission control system can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and potential engine damage over time, resulting in costly repairs and downtime. Besides maintaining the emission control system, vehicle owners should also ensure periodic and timely diesel engine service to keep them in optimal condition.
Emission Control Devices
The following are some emission control devices:
Diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is part of the first stage of your vehicle’s after-treatment system. It is a filter that contains precious metals like platinum that aid in the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide (CO) present in the exhaust gases.
Diesel Particulate Filter: This comes after the DOC and is meant to remove the particulate matter (soot) from the gases. It is a honeycomb filter that is designed to trap the particles. The particles are then burnt using active or passive regeneration.
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): This is the last stage of the after-treatment system. It breaks down nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless substances. DEF or Diesel emission fluid aids in this process.
Core Elements
The core of all these devices is an ultra-fine honeycomb filter. The filter needs to be maintained properly at periodic intervals by subjecting it to inspection. When the filter gets clogged with soot or ash it can cause serious trouble to the functioning of these systems.
What is Recore?
So far, the traditional method of maintaining these systems has involved replacing filters and core elements.
This had consequences such as:
- High turnaround time leading to vehicle downtime
- Higher cost of parts leading to costly repairs
Recore is a patented technology that addresses these challenges by effectively cleaning and repairing core elements without the need for replacement. This is accomplished using patented technologies and a proven process carried out by trained technicians with specialized equipment.
Why You Must Choose Recore?
The benefits of recoring include a significant reduction in turnaround time, with DCI potentially offering a quick turnaround of just one day based on the request. This is a substantial improvement over the traditional replacement method, which can result in several days of vehicle downtime. The time saved directly benefits vehicle owners.
In terms of cost, recoring offers an advantage over replacement. The patented technology ensures that core elements are repaired and serviced correctly using specialized machines, saving money upfront. Once repaired, the core elements can be refitted to the vehicle to continue their role in keeping the environment clean.
Conclusion
Diesel particulate filters, diesel oxidation catalysts, and selective catalytic reduction systems are sensitive components that require proper servicing and maintenance. Additionally, these components must work in harmony with other vehicle parts, such as the fuel injection system and injectors, to ensure optimal performance and compliance with emissions standards.
Diesel Components Inc specializes in servicing on and off highways and heavy-duty vehicles.
We offer comprehensive repair and overhaul services for diesel engine maintenance. We also have an extensive catalog of diesel engine parts.
The latest addition to our service offering is the recoring of emission control systems. The benefits of recoring will far outweigh the costs incurred.
Contact us today to know more.
