Exhaust aftertreatment for heavy construction equipment

Construction and infrastructure projects often involve the use of heavy equipment. And these often run on diesel, because a good alternative on electricity or hydrogen is not yet available. With a standalone exhaust aftertreatment system, Drive Line Systems knows how to bring heavy construction equipment from Stage II to Stage V. "If you then fill up with HVO 100 biofuel, you may not be electric, but you certainly come close," says sales engineer Ronald Gideonse. "By claiming the SSEB subsidy scheme, a retrofit exhaust aftertreatment quickly becomes cost-effective."

Drive Line Systems has long been the official distributor of Allison Transmission in the Benelux. "Besides these Allison products that we supply and maintain, we also specialize in parts for the complete powerpack and drivelines. We also contribute to electrification. For example, we are fully engaged in electric drives and build e-PTOs to make existing hydraulics work electrically. We also make generator sets based on fuel cell technology and hydrogen as an energy carrier, to charge electric machines in the field. Between electric or hydrogen and current practice, there is still a world to be won, especially with large equipment. In specific cases, we cannot do without diesel. Then let's make those diesels as clean as possible."

Modular system

Excavators, dumpers, cranes, pile drivers, in short, all heavy construction equipment with a large diesel engine up to 1,500 KW can be fitted by Drive Line Systems with retrofit exhaust aftertreatment. "It is a completely standalone system with its own control equipment, so the machine itself is not tampered with," Gideonse emphasizes. "The exhaust aftertreatment replaces the muffler. First, the exhaust passes through a particulate filter and then through the 'mixing pipe' where Adblue is sprayed in. The mixture finally reacts in the SCR catalyst and is converted into non-harmful substances. The result: a 99 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and 90 to 95 percent reduction in nitrogen emissions. This brings us up to the level of Stage V. By the way, the system is modular in design. We can also use parts of the system. For example, a Stage IIIB engine already has a particulate filter, then we pick it up from the mixing pipe and install an SCR catalyst."

SSEB grant

Exhaust aftertreatment fits any large diesel engine, according to Gideonse. "With larger machines it quickly becomes cost-effective, and in some projects you can't even do without it." He also points to the ongoing Clean and Emission Free Building Material (SSEB) subsidy scheme. "Retrofit exhaust aftertreatment is eligible for this scheme. It has hardly been used yet, as there is still 93 percent available in the 'pot'. The scheme reimburses about 25 to 30 percent of the initial investment. Then exhaust gas after-treatment quickly becomes profitable." At the upcoming TKD, Drive Line Systems will show a demo setup of the retrofit system. Those for whom the diesel engine has long been a thing of the past will also get their money's worth at their stand. For example, they are showing a fuel cell and a setup of an e-PTO.