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Stopping Pollution at the Tailpipe: How Catalytic Reduction Increases Environmental Sustainability
- 1. Stopping Pollution at the Tailpipe: How Catalytic Reduction Increases Environmental Sustainability Certified DEF 50 W Forest St., Brigham City, UT. 84302 435-723-5225
- 2. Vehicles are a primary source of environmental problems today. Besides greenhouse gas emissions slowly changing the world’s climate, burning fossil fuels results in more immediate threats to health and safety. Diesel automobiles, specifically, can combine two harmless elements into a dangerous substance. Fortunately, technologies are in place to reverse this reaction in an efficient, affordable way. Too Harmful to Ignore The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Clean Air Act, sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards for the six most common air pollutants. One of these pollutants is nitrogen and its oxides. Exposure to nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can cause adverse respiratory effects. Healthy people may begin to experience airway inflammation after only 30 minutes of exposure. Even more critical respiratory issues will affect people with asthma. Studies also find a connection between breathing elevated short-term NO2 concentrations, and increased visits to emergency departments and hospital admissions for respiratory issues. This is especially alarming for the 48 million people, or 16% of U.S housing units, located within 300 feet of a major highway, railroad, or airport. This is why, since 2010, the EPA has imposed a standard for controlling engine emissions, the most popular of which is Selective Catalytic Reduction.
- 3. The Supplemental Solution Selective Catalytic Reduction works by injecting a liquid reductant agent into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine. It is a cost-effective way for passenger cars and light duty trucks to meet strict emissions and fuel efficiency guidelines. The reductant known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)is a solution of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water. DEF contamination can compromise SCR function, so vehicles require a specialized nozzle to refill DEF and prevent accidental pouring of diesel into the wrong tank. The DEF formula is designed to facilitate nitrogen oxide reaction in an oxidizing atmosphere. It converts pollutants into the natural elements of breathable air, such as nitrogen, water, and tiny amounts of carbon dioxide. This “reduction” breaks down nitrogen oxide into its safe components. Selective Catalytic Reduction and its primary agent, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, are simple ways for diesel engine users to participate in curbing environmental ruin. The American Petroleum Institute still recommends approaching certified DEF distributors to make sure the solution meets ISO specifications.