Diesel Engine Aftertreatment: How Ford Knocks Out the NOx

Ford’s new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine employs a multifaceted aftertreatment process to meet
2010 federal emissions standards that call for a reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels by more than 80 percent compared
with previous regulations. Ford’s solution incorporates industry-proven technology, world-class supply partners
and Ford-developed strategies to create an efficient, seamless system.

Line Heater Diesel

Cleaner In Means DEF Replenishment Facts
Exhaust Fluid
Cleaner Out Tank Unit The Ford system is designed so that DEF is
Ford’s multi-step process replenished approximately every 7,500 miles,
begins by optimizing depending on customer use. The message center will
the new 6.7-liter Power alert the customer if the DEF needs to be replenished.
Stroke turbocharged The first message comes when the customer has
diesel engine for efficient about 800 miles worth of DEF remaining.
combustion, which helps The fill nozzle for the DEF is located next to the
reduce harmful emissions fuel cap. It has a blue cap. Ford-approved DEF
from the start. Customers will be available in 1- and 2-1/2-gallon bottles with
benefit from a more Why Ford Uses the Diesel nozzles and can be purchased from Ford dealers
efficient system, which Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Method and other retailers.
uses less fuel, and in turn
Injection of DEF to reduce NOx is a proven
the efficiency leads to
technology that’s been used throughout the
an exhaust stream that
auto industry. Unlike other solutions used to
does not overly burden Nox /Temperature
control NOx, the DEF system allows the diesel
the aftertreatment system. Sensor
engine to run at its optimum range in terms of
The system is a three-
fuel mixture – some systems require the engine
step process with each
to run richer, which can be harmful to diesel
subsystem fully integrated
engines, to control the NOx.
so it operates as Pressure and
one unit. Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Temperature Sensors
DEF Injector

Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Selective Catalytic Reduction Catalyst Diesel Particulate Filter

Step One:
Cleaning and Heating
The first step in cleaning the diesel
exhaust occurs when the exhaust
stream enters the Diesel Oxidation
Catalyst (DOC). The role of the
DOC is twofold. First, it converts
and oxidizes hydrocarbons –
at about 250 degrees Celsius –
into water and carbon dioxide.
Second, the DOC is used to provide
and promote heat, using specific
engine management strategies,
into the exhaust system. Through
appropriate thermal management,
this heat increases the conversion
efficiency of the downstream
subsystem(s) in reducing emissions.
Step Two: Knocking Out the NOx Step Three:
Scrubbing Away
The second step in the process is known as Selective
Catalytic Reduction (SCR). In this process, the NOx
the Soot
in the exhaust stream is converted into water and The final step of the
inert nitrogen, which is present in the atmosphere cleansing system for the
and harmless. Before the exhaust gas enters the diesel exhaust gas involves
SCR chamber, it is dosed with Diesel Exhaust Fluid the Diesel Particulate
(DEF), also known as urea, an aqueous solution that is Filter (DPF). The DPF
approximately 67.5 percent water and 32.5 percent pure traps any remaining soot,
urea. which is then periodically
When heated, the DEF splits into ammonia and carbon burned away, known as
dioxide. These molecules are atomized, broken up and regenerating, when sensors
vaporized, then enter a mixer that resembles a corkscrew. detect the trap is full. The
This twist mixer evenly distributes the ammonia within the regeneration process sees
exhaust flow. The ammonia enters the SCR module, which temperatures in excess of
contains a catalyzed substrate, and through chemical 600 degrees Celsius to burn
away soot.
reactions combines and converts the NOx and ammonia
into the harmless inert nitrogen and water. Dosing typically
occurs between 200 and 500 degrees Celsius.

9/2009 for more information, go to WWW.media.ford.com