Urea supplier ramps up for ‘2010

TORONTO — Brenntag, one of the world’s largest chemical producers, says it will begin producing urea for the North American market.

Urea — also called diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) — will be required in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) engines using to meet upcoming NOx-busting rules in 2010. OEMs and engine makers who’ve opted to go with SCR technology include Daimler Trucks, Paccar and Volvo-Mack. International and Cummins will stick with advanced EGR solutions for heavy-duty, although the latter will still make SCR engines available in some medium-duty segments.

Brenntag, the largest distributor of automotive grade urea in the world, said it will ramp up through its network of over 120 locations in the United States and Canada.

One of the major concerns about the adoptions of SCR to meet 2010 emissions standards is whether the infrastructure for the urea needed in SCR engines will be in place.

Brenntag’s national program, “Urea 2010” is an initiative to provide DEF availability to SCR truck manufacturers and fleet operators. This program is designed to coordinate the necessary supply of quality grade urea, blending capabilities and flexible packaging options.

Brenntag has extensive experience with truck emission fluid and has been a key player in developing the infrastructure in Europe, where truckmakers adopted SCR technology years ago to meet emission standards over there.

Proponents of SCR say urea has worked just fine
in Europe for years, and it’ll work here too.

“Brenntag understands the complexity of a start up (for DEF) and we are applying our experience and knowledge to successfully launch a customer-friendly package to manufacturers and fleet operators of SCR trucks,” says Chet Murphy, vice president of market development. “While North American operations have different challenges than in Europe, we don’t see any of these challenges as show stoppers.”

Brenntag plans to stock DEF fluid that meets the high quality standards of ISO and AUS standards appropriately throughout its network of facilities in North America. Fast and reliable delivery will be available to supply drums and IBC’s as well as partial and full tank truck deliveries.

The firm added that it will continue to closely monitor the development of the DEF market to prepare for anticipated demand. Today, Brenntag can deliver a container of product to a manufacturer’s or fleet’s location from existing inventory. “Commercial dispensing of DEF at major truckstops will be addressed as we move closer to 2010.”