Daimler developed the BlueTec brand of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to meet the challenge. This fulfilled on the promise of leveraging investments by Daimler, Detroit Diesel, Freightliner Trucks, Thomas Built Buses and Western Star.

What is BlueTec SCR?

BlueTec Emissions Technology was developed to meet the specific needs of the North American market. It relies on a proven Daimler technology, where the similar Daimler BlueTEC® emissions technology has been in use for over four years. More than 600,000 trucks worldwide currently use SCR.

At its most basic, BlueTec emissions technology is:
• Is a Selective Catalytic Reduction system that cuts down on nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Uses DEF (a substance composed of 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent water) to eliminate NOx
• Utilizes a simple EGR engine, Diesel Oxidation Catalyst and a Diesel Particulate Filter to meet the 2010 EPA emissions standards
DEF is currently used in both the agricultural and industrial fields, and is currently available at many service chains throughout the U.S. Because it’s so widely used already, the price of DEF will continue to be stable. On-highway uses are projected to be about 2% of DEF production capacity.

BlueTec Emissions Technology and SCR
• EPA 2010-compliant
• Up to 5% better fuel economy vs. current EPA 2007 products
• Standard in Europe since 2004
• Allows trucks to go up to 7,000 miles on a 23 gallon tank of Diesel Exhaust Fluid
• BlueTec emissions technology has been tested on U.S. highways since 2005
• DEF will be available in 2,500 fill stations by 2010
• Conveniently located in bulk fill pumps at Petro, TA Travel Centers and Pilot truck stops

EPA 2010 Requirements:
Since 1994, the EPA has mandated significant reductions in both Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM).
• Starting in 2010, new diesel engines must meet an almost 90% decrease in NOx levels compared to 1994 levels.

BlueTec SCR vs. EGR?

BlueTec SCR:
Engine runs hotter, less efficiency lost to heat rejection.
In-Cylinder Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR):
Large loss of fuel efficiency due to additional recirculation of exhaust gasses.

BlueTec SCR:
Technology that has proven itself in real world testing in Europe over the past four years.
In-Cylinder Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR):
Unproven technology that is just a band-aid on 1970’s technology.

BlueTec SCR:
Up to 5% better fuel economy than EGR, and 3% more than today’s engines.
In-Cylinder Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR):
Loss of fuel efficiency when compared to today’s engines.

BlueTec SCR:
Reduces stress on many parts of the engine, thus lengthening engine life.
In-Cylinder Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR):
Can cause excessive wear on some engine parts thus shortening the life of your engine.

BlueTec SCR:
Needs only one DEF fill per 5,000-7,000 miles.
In-Cylinder Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR):
Necessitates regular active regenerations, which means more time spent on the side of the road, not earning.

In a recent survey, 53% of professional drivers chose SCR.
In the same survey, only 29% chose EGR. - back