Facts about e3
- What is driving the need for emissions regulations?
- What is SCR?
- What is e3?
- Why is SCR so important?
- What are the benefits of using SCR technology?
- Is AGCO the only agricultural manufacturer to use SCR?
- Who else is using SCR technology?
- How can e3 technology reduce emissions, save fuel AND optimize power
- What AGCO tractors now or will incorporate SCR technology?
- Is SCR used only with High Horsepower Tractors?
- There is a lot of talk about lower emissions and bio fuels these days and what it all means to the farm economy, but I am not really sure what it all means in terms of the machinery I run and my input costs. Sure, we all want to do our part to reduce our dependence on oil and its impact on the environment, but at the end of the day, I need to watch my fuel cost. Maybe I just need to wait and not buy e3.
- How much money can e3 save me in fuel consumption?
- What about servicing? Isn't it more complicated? Will e3 require special maintenance?
- How is my warranty impacted by this new technology?
- What about the heat issue? I've heard these exhaust systems can cause fires.
- Why is AGCO the only agricultural manufacturer to use the SCR technology?
- I have heard two different names for diesel exhaust fluid: DEF and AdBlue. What is the difference between DEF and AdBlue?
- What is urea?
- Does DEF/AdBlue become toxic at certain temperatures?
- Where to I buy AdBlue or DEF? And how do I store it?
- How much diesel exhaust fuel is needed to make the e3 system work?
- Is there a chance of DEF/AdBlue freezing?
- What happens if I run my DEF/AdBlue reservoir dry?
- Is DEF/AdBlue a fuel additive?
What is driving the need for emissions regulations?
Clean air is essential for quality of life. While farm vehicle emissions are small compared to trucks, they are not insignificant. As an industry, agricultural equipment manufacturers have already made good strides to reach current standards, but Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) continue to cause problems like smog, acid rain and respiratory problems.
As a producer of large off-road diesel engines, AGCO must meet stringent emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States and by the European Union.- What is SCR?
SCR stands for Selective Catalytic Reduction and it refers to a technical process that uses diesel exhaust fluid and a catalytic converter to reduce levels of NOx, which are oxides of nitrogen that are emitted from engines and are harmful to our air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency and the European Union have mandated emissions reduction standards to improve our air quality.
SCR technology injects urea into the exhaust pipe system in order to transform and reduce nitrogen oxides emitted by the engine into harmless nitrogen and water.
AGCO's SCR technology (e3) treats downstream exhaust with AdBlue/Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), a form of urea (an organic compound), which is stored in a separate tank and injected into the exhaust stream. The process allows our engines to run more efficiently – optimizing combustion yet reducing polluting particulate matter. - What is e3?
e3 is the AGCO brand name for our SCR technology.
e3 stands for Energy, Economy and Ecology:- Energy: e3 delivers uncompromised horsepower and torque from a cooler running engine.
- Economy: e3 delivers significantly improved fuel economy, up to 15 percent better.
- Ecology: e3 breaks exhaust into harmless nitrogen and water.
AGCO's e3 technology treats downstream exhaust with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)/AdBlue, a form of urea (an organic compound), which is stored in a separate tank and injected into the exhaust stream. The process allows our engines to run more efficiently – optimizing combustion yet reducing polluting particulate matter.
e3 further strengthens AGCO’s leadership in technology, performance and environmental responsibility. - Why is SCR so important?
SCR promises a substantial improvement in fuel economy while reducing emissions. Furthermore, as the engine is not modified for additional emission requirements, none of its power and torque is affected. SCR positions AGCO as a leader in technology and environmental responsibility. - What are the benefits of using SCR technology?
Consumer Benefits are:- Cleaner Emissions
- Through the pioneering of this technology on agricultural machinery, AGCO is a leading global environmentally responsible manufacturer
- Enhanced fuel economy (reduction of critical input cost)
- High-horsepower, fixed-frame Tier III tractors will be 5-6% more fuel efficient than a similar HP John Deere 8030 series
AGCO Benefits:
- Cleaner Emissions (Promoting a “Leading Environmental Stewardship” position).
- Reduces the need for larger, more complex cooling packages (enhances the ability to move to Tier IV without substantial increases in cooling package size and complexity.)
- Eliminates the need for expensive engine “add-ons”, larger coolers, enhanced electronics, etc… to achieve Tier 4A
- Based on known technology, e3 is the preferred path to achieve Tier 4 (Tier 4B NA) 2014.
- Is AGCO the only agricultural manufacturer to use SCR?
AGCO is proud to launch e3 technology, a first for the agricultural equipment industry and its most comprehensive and farmer-friendly solution for meeting upcoming emission standards, without making trade-offs in power, productivity and operating costs. AGCO’s European office introduced this new technology a few months ago and it will be launched in North America in February 2009. - Who else is using SCR technology?
AGCO is first to offer SCR technology in agriculture although we're certain our competitors will follow. AGCO initially launched the technology in Europe, followed by North America. Many of the finest engineering minds in the world agree that SCR technology is the way to go. Which is why it’s been adopted by Mercedes-Benz®, Volvo® and BMW®. - How can e3 technology reduce emissions, save fuel AND optimize power and performance?
The key to its success is the fact that it's a post combustion process. It stays out of the way of what the engine is built to do - provide power. After the engine does that and the exhaust leaves the engine, all that remains to be done is to reduce the nitrogen oxides (NOx). Our e3 SCR is an effective, thoroughly tested method of doing just that. - What AGCO tractors now or will incorporate SCR technology?
Only the High Horsepower tractors (specifically, MT600C, DT, MF8600 and Valtra S Series) will offer the e3 SCR technology at this present time. Although the SCR technology is optional of these tractors, it will be standard equipment in 2011 due to the EPA and European Union emission requirements. - Is SCR used only with High Horsepower Tractors?
Yes, at the present time. - There is a lot of talk about lower emissions and bio fuels these days and what it all means to the farm economy, but I am not really sure what it all means in terms of the machinery I run and my input costs. Sure, we all want to do our part to reduce our dependence on oil and its impact on the environment, but at the end of the day, I need to watch my fuel cost. Maybe I just need to wait and not buy e3.
SCR is a technology where a NOx reducing agent (a water solution of urea) is injected into the exhaust gas upstream of the e3 catalyst. The water evaporates and the remaining ammonia sets off a chemical reaction eliminating NOx and leaving only nitrogen and water in the exhaust. By having the SCR components out of the engine and having the engine not modified with additional lower emission components, the average fuel reduction is up to 15% which means a lot of savings on a large operation. 
How much money can e3 save me in fuel consumption?
Compared to competitive models, e3 technology delivers up to 15% in fuel savings. For example, if you normally consume 6 gallons per hour, use your tractor for 600 hours per year and assume $2.70 diesel fuel, you would save an estimated $1,458.00 per year. Use the e3 Calculator to calculate your potential savings.- What about servicing? Isn't it more complicated? Will e3 require special maintenance?
The engine's need of service and maintenance is unaffected by e3 technology. The maintenance of the e3 SCR solution is at a minimum. The main paper filter is required to be changed at every 3,600 hours or at 1 year intervals and the 2 pre-filters, located at the e3 module and exhaust, are changed at every 2 main filter changes. - How is my warranty impacted by this new technology?
There is no change in the terms of the warranty. - What about the heat issue? I've heard these exhaust systems can cause fires.
There is no combustibility issue with the e3 technology as no extra heat is developed through the e3 process and the final exhaust product is nitrogen and water. The system that increases heat rejection in diesels is an entirely different technology called EGR. - Why is AGCO the only agricultural manufacturer to use the SCR technology?
The approach taken by AGCO by using SCR technology will require less added modification to reach the required Tier 4A emission level than other technology studied. - I have heard two different names for diesel exhaust fluid: DEF and AdBlue. What is the difference between DEF and AdBlue?
In North America, diesel exhaust fluid is known commonly as DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) and in Europe is it is known as diesel emissions fluid, and marketed as AdBlue. It is a non-toxic solution of 67.5 percent water and 32.5 percent automotive grade urea. DEF helps to convert NOx into nitrogen gas and water vapor. It is stable, odorless, colorless and meets accepted international standards for purity and composition such as AUS-32 and other quality standards and specifications. - What is urea?
Urea is a nitrogen compound that changes to ammonia when heated. 
Does DEF/AdBlue become toxic at certain temperatures?
No. Urea is a nonhazardous material that does not become toxic at any temperature. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation. The product is slightly alkaline with a pH of approximately 9.0 so it should not be in contact with aluminum, brass and mild steel. SCR is a technology where a NOx reducing agent (a water solution of urea) is injected into the exhaust gas upstream of the e3 catalyst. The water evaporates and the remaining ammonia sets off a chemical reaction eliminating NOx and leaving only nitrogen and water in the exhaust.- Where to I buy AdBlue or DEF? And how do I store it?
DEF/AdBlue can be purchases at any AGCO/MF/Challenger dealership or through a variety of suppliers such as Brenntag in North America. The availability of this fluid is likely to increase throughout 2009.
Since DEF/AdBlue crystallizes at 12° F (-11° C) and decomposes at an accelerated rate at temperatures above 176° F, the storage system and filling systems must be designed to assure a temperature range of between 12° and 176° F (-11° and 66° C). DEF/AdBlue can be stored for a period of 12 months - if the recommended storage temperatures are respected. The recommended storage temperature for DEF is 80° F or less for the longest shelflife, but it does not become hazardous when heated above this temperature. - How much diesel exhaust fuel is needed to make the e3 system work?
It is the equivalent to 3% of the fuel used. Therefore, for every 100 gallons of fuel used, 3 gallons of DEF/AdBlue will be consumed. - Is there a chance of DEF/AdBlue freezing?
The freezing point of DEF/AdBlue is 12° F (-11° C). If it freezes, the product takes approximately 20 minutes to thaw in a temperature of -20° F (-21° C) as the DEF/AdBlue heating system is used in parallel with the cab heating. Engine coolant thaws the fluid inside the tank. The tank is designed not to be affected by freezing fluid. 
What happens if I run my DEF/AdBlue reservoir dry?
DEF/AdBlue will not become “dry” as 5 liters (1.3 gallons) of the product is always in the tank for injector cooling purposes. However, the engine power will derate to 50 percent of its capacity.- Is DEF/AdBlue a fuel additive?
No, since DEF/AdBlue is not added to fuel, it is not a fuel additive. DEF/AdBlue has its own tank and is completely separated from any fuel contact.
