Fuel Adulteration Can be Bad News for BS IV Compliant Engines

Ever since the BS IV norm has come into effect, there has been much talk about the existing BS III norms; vehicle categories it has been implemented; the technical changes in fuel formation and engine for vehicles and the investment required for meeting the new standards.

For those still in doubt - BS IV norms have been implemented in 13 cities across India from 1st April 2010 and are applicable on commercial as well as passenger vehicles. What has been postponed is BSIII norms implementation all over India (other than 13 cities with BSIV). So, as of now – applicable Emission norms are: 13 Cities – BSIV; Rest of India – BSII. However, BS III norms will be applicable in rest of India from October 2010.

“BS-IV emission norms are effective from April 1, 2010 not only for passenger cars but also for commercial vehicles. To meet BS-IV emission norms, engines need to be upgraded with suitable technologies to introduce high pressure FIE and reduce tail pipe emission. Technologies mainly used are EGR with particulate filter or SCR. Cost implication will depend on which technology is used to meet BS-IV emission and can range from Rs 1lakh to Rs 2lakh in addition to those incurred on BS-III,” said the spokesperson from Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV).

Rajesh Kalra, managing director, Mahindra Navistar Automotives Limited said that in addition to Common rail fuel injection technology, BSIV requires use of SCR (Selective reduction catalyst) or ‘EGR + DPF’ (Exhaust Gas Recirculation + Diesel Particulate Filter) depending on the engine combustion parameters. “It is bit difficult to put numbers as it all depends on extent of localisation and the technology used. However it could be quite significant,” he said.

Even though the norms have come into play right now, manufacturers say that the industry is in advanced stages with the BS IV compliant vehicles but investment that goes into the making depends on the technology used and the manufacturing set up of the companies.

As the BS IV rolls out, the fuel quality is also making a significant improvement. The content of Sulphur has come down from 350 ppm to 50 ppm, which essentially means that emission of particulate matter from the engine will reduce substantially. Cleaner fuel means investment in technology which indirectly indicates a rise in fuel prices. VECV spokesperson said that the in one way the government is justified in increasing the fuel rates but passing the buck to the customer would be a bad idea as already the vehicle prices have notched up a little and a fuel price additionally would not be a good idea.

Although, BS IV guarantees cleaner fuel, in a country like ours, where fuel adulteration is rampant, would it mean bad news for the new engines? “BS-IV engines and system needs 50 ppm or less Sulphur fuel for adequate operation. If adulterated fuel is used, the performance of the emission system deteriorates. As such, appropriate fuel is a must for BS-IV engines,” said the VECV spokesperson.  Kalra adds, “Fuel quality will affect the high pressure Common rail system. Adulteration is a risk to the reliability and life of high pressure injection systems and low grade fuel will damage the post treatment devices and the engine will pollute more.”

As far as the appearance of Ad-Blue in commercial vehicles is concerned, spokesperson at VECV feels that Ad Blue for automotive CV applications might be available after 2013 and recommended distribution is via the fuel-retail channel, a method convenient for customers, while, Kalra feels it all depends upon the number of manufacturers opting for the SCR technology. Market dynamics will have influence over the distribution channel option.