Engen continues to lead the drive for reduced vehicle emissions
A year after introducing Air1, the world’s top brand of AdBlue® emission fluid, ahead of other oil companies operating in South Africa, Engen’s efforts have seen steady growth in its uptake across the country , says Sydney Bruckner, Project Manager: Emission Fluids at Engen.
AdBlue®, used in conjunction with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) units in exhaust systems, reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in diesel engine exhaust gases in line with more stringent emission regulations.
Bruckner says South Africa is committed to reducing CO2 and NOx gas emissions by 34% by 2020, and 42% by 2025. The energy and transport sectors have been identified as key sectors in this drive.
Currently, legislation in South Africa only requires diesel vehicle compliance with Euro 2 emission standards. A small but growing number of Euro 5-configured trucks operating in the country are already fitted with SCR units.
“The availability of Air1 gives Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) the flexibility to introduce the latest technology vehicles into South Africa. Irrespective of whether or not truck owners have heard of Air1, the chances are that they may soon be driving vehicles that require it,” Bruckner says.
Aligned to this is the focus by Engen and a number of locally-based vehicle manufacturers to further reduce NOx emissions from trucks and buses, he adds.
“An increasing number of fleet customers are adopting green practices, and Engen is strategically positioned to provide solutions that match these changing market requirements.”
Air1, which is offered by Engen, is used in conjunction with low-sulphur diesel and low-SAPS [sulphate ash, phosphorus and sulphur] lubricants.
As the only company to provide all of these products, Engen is the one-stop AdBlue® emission fluid shop for transport companies”, adds Bruckner.
While modern diesel vehicles fitted with SCR systems are an additional capital investment, fuel savings should cancel out this extra expense over time, he says.
Consumption is approximately 3%-5% by volume of diesel consumption, differing according to the type of engine and the work it does. The AdBlue® tank, which is normally fitted adjacent to the diesel tank, would typically require filling every time driver’s refuel with diesel.
