For drivers of today’s new diesel-powered trucks, their maintenance routine will include upkeep of diesel particulate filters, as well as the selective catalytic reduction aftertreatment device. Both operators and technicians will be faced with learning the inner workings of both, though maintenance is said to be minimal. SCR systems need the fluid to clean up the last margin of NOx in the exhaust stream, and dashboard warning lights will alert drivers when the fluid is running low. To deter drivers from operating the trucks without the fluid, the engine will be configured to reduce power so the truck can operate only in a slow, “limp home” mode and prevent the truck from starting once it has stopped if the fluid tank is not refilled.

Today’s new diesel-power trucks are, by law, equipped with particulate filters, and in many models the DPF will soon will be joined by another aftertreatment device, selective catalytic reduction, or SCR, in a canister.

SCR will share the role of nitrogen oxides reduction with exhaust gas recirculation in the engine systems of all but one of the truck makers serving North America.

Operators have to know how the diesel particulate filter works and what they must do, if anything, to keep the truck running efficiently.

Similarly, the workings of SCR will demand operator awareness. As with the particulate filters, getting comfortable with SCR will require training for drivers and technicians for issues such as the significance of a new dashboard warning lamp.

Click here to visit Transport Topics and read the complete story.