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18 Apr 08 - UD COMBINES THE BEST SYSTEMS TO CREATE CLEANER AND GREENER TRUCKS

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UD has taken the task of reducing engine emissions in its trucks very seriously and has developed a number of key strategies to make its new range of trucks amongst the cleanest and greenest on the market. The GW range utilises UD's own emission technology known as Final Low Emission New Diesel System (FLENDS), a system that combines Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Exhaust Gas Reduction (EGR) to maximise efficiency and minimise dangerous pollutants, while the new UD PK medium duty range uses an exclusively EGR system. UD engineers have developed this two-prong approach to emission reduction, utilising the best systems for specific horsepower ratings. Engineers have found that while EGR is well suited to medium duty trucks with horsepower ratings below 300, it does not on its own offer the best solution for heavy-duty trucks with engines producing more than 300 horsepower. This is because of the extra pressure it places on the cooling system as well as the need for reduced oil change intervals and increased fuel consumption. The blending of SCR and EGR in the UD FLENDS system has enabled the new UD GW heavy-duty range to meet the yet to be introduced stringent Euro 5 emission regulations, which do not come into force until January 1st, 2011. The engine's electronic control system manages the FLENDS system, controlling the dosing of the AdBlue catalyst into the truck's special catalytic chamber in the exhaust, as well as the flow of exhaust gas recirculation and other aspects of engine management. SCR is a major advantage in high horsepower trucks because it does not affect the performance of the vehicle, placing no additional pressure on the engine cooling system while maintaining lower levels of fuel consumption, longer oil change intervals and better engine longevity. The drawback of SCR is the need to carry AdBlue, however AdBlue consumption is relatively low requiring the 55-litre tank to be filled roughly every 2000 kilometres. UD has developed a number of strategies to streamline this process and to reduce the possibility of drivers running the AdBlue tank dry. A series of warning lights on the dash indicate when the AdBlue is running low, is of poor quality or if the SCR system has a problem. There is also an LED indicator that shows the level of AdBlue in the onboard tanks. Should the AdBlue tank run dry the UD system will not de-rate the horsepower of the trucks, as is the case with many competitors' vehicles. As a rule of thumb a truck travelling around 100,000km per year will only require the AdBlue tank to be filled around once a week. AdBlue will be widely available at a number of outlets including fuel stations, UD dealers and other truck related outlets. It will be available in a number of package options from a 10 litre plastic container with pouring nozzle, which can be easily carried on board as an emergency refilling option to 1000litre palletised IBC packs that can be easily stored in workshops or transport yards. Refilling the AdBlue tank positioned on the left hand chassis rail of the truck is in fact easier than refilling the vehicle's windscreen washer bottle. A number of pumping solutions are available from UD dealers to make refilling the AdBlue tank even easier. While EGR is a convenient package and does not require the need to carry the AdBlue catalyst, ultimately it has too many drawbacks in a heavy-duty environment to be used and is best suited to medium and light duty trucks. The new UD PK range and the soon to be launched MK range will use EGR exclusively.