The response of the Wirtgen Group to the stricter emissions standards entering into force as of 2011 is „intelligent emission control“, a drive technology for a better environment. In future, an „i“ will be uniformly added to the machine designation of all machines of the Wirtgen Group that are equipped with the new engine technology. The headquarters of the Wirtgen Group have prepared for the engine conversion in good time so that all customers in the impacted industrial regions have a high degree of planning certainty.
Emissions standards in flux
Diesel engines in mobile construction machines operate in very heavy-duty conditions, but must also have as little impact on the environment as possible. Legislators introduced mandatory limits for the emission of pollutants in 1996 that have since become successively more stringent. Particular emphasis is being placed on effectively reducing emissions of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). So far, emissions limit values could be complied with through measures implemented inside the engines. As of 2011, however, EU Emissions Stage IIIB will enter into force in Europe for mobile machines, while Tier 4i (interim) will enter into force in the USA and MLIT Step 4i in Japan. The next stages will enter into force from 2014 on: EU Stage IV, Tier 4f (final) and MLIT Step 4f. Engine manufacturers are not the only ones facing challenges due to this reduction in limits – the most drastic to date. „As a manufacturer of construction machines, we, too, are looking at an enormous technical undertaking. To comply with the new limits, we not only have to implement the changes for the new engines, but also install the exhaust gas aftertreatment components in the machines. And the space required for this is considerable,“ explains Peter Berghoff, Deputy Head of the Development and Design Department of Wirtgen GmbH.
Proven Wirtgen Group technology
The stricter emissions standards are being introduced as of January 2011 in the EU and EFTA economic regions, the USA, Canada and Japan. „We developed the „i“ machines precisely for these countries. For instance, if a customer in the USA wishes to purchase a Type 5200- 2 or 5203-2 VISION paver next year, we will supply him with a VISION 5200- 2i or 5203-2i,“ explains Martin Buschmann, Head of Development and Design at Joseph Vögele AG. In all other countries, everything remains the same and the current Wirtgen Group product range will be used. „That is actually imperative as the operation of „i“ machines requires fuelling with ultra-low sulphur diesel exclusively. This quality of fuel is currently only available in the EU and EFTA, the USA, Canada and Japan. In other words, a customer in Africa would be unable to supply an „i“ machine with the requisite type of fuel and the engine would suffer considerable damage,“ warns Dr. Axel Römer, Head of Development at Hamm AG.
Transitional statutory rulings
In order to make the transition phase manageable for the industry, statutory transitional rulings have been developed for the sale of a limited number of machines that conform to the previous emissions stage. „We will make use of these rulings where possible and practical, as not every engine type will be available in a version that complies with the newest emissions stage on the changeover date,“ said Berghoff. In the EU and EFTA economic regions, the USA and Canada, as well as Japan, the „i“ machines of the Wirtgen Group will offer the certainty of compliance with the newest emissions legislation.
The low emission values of the „i“ machines will result in a marked improvement in air quality for the operating personnel and the working environment. The „i“ machines represent the state-of-the-art of engine technology and will give operators a competitive edge, enabling them to offer „clean“, i.e. environmentally compatible, machine technology when bidding for contracts.
For further information, please contact:
Wirtgen Group
Franz-Sales Mantel, Michaela Adams
Press and Public Relations
Reinhard-Wirtgen-Strasse 2
53578 Windhagen
Germany
Phone: +49 2645 / 131-128
Fax: +49 2645 / 131-499
e-Mail:
presse@wirtgen.de
