BASF launches permanent showcase of innovative catalyst technology for autos at Shanghai Energy-efficiency Center

BASF today launched a permanent display of its cost-effective catalyst technologies for the automotive industry at the Scientific Energy Saving Showroom, located in the Shanghai Energy-efficiency Center. This coincided with the opening of 2009 Shanghai International Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Expo, where Shanghai government officials were in attendance.

 

With an expanded area of 3,450 square meters, the Shanghai Scientific Energy Saving Showroom is a window within the city to improve the awareness and benefits of advanced energy saving solutions to the public and government officials at all levels. The showroom consists of five sections: introduction, housing, buildings, heavy industry and transport. Strictly screened and selected by experts, the solutions being showcased must be representative, highly energy-efficient and demonstrating advanced technology.

 

“We are honored that BASF can present its advanced catalyst technologies in the transportation segment of the showroom,” said Dr. Lothar Laupichler, Director of BASF Mobile Emission Catalysts Asia Pacific. “Our selective catalytic reduction, or SCR, system is an ideal cost-effective solution to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOX) from buses and enable the engine to be tuned for lower particulate emissions. We introduced this system to a fleet of diesel buses before the 2008 Olympic Games, making them the first fleet in mainland China to meet the China State IV emission standards.”

 

BASF SCR catalysts allow an optimized engine control management system to realize up to five percent lower fuel consumption. At the same time, NOx emissions are cut by at least 30 percent (State IV) or 60 percent (State V). Currently, more than 2,000 such buses are on China streets, soon to be joined by around 800 hybrid buses equipped with BASF's SCR system.

 

“With a long history of commitment to sustainable development, BASF plays an important role in providing solutions to global challenges such as climate protection and energy efficiency,” said Johnny Kwan, BASF Greater China Country Board Chairman. “We are happy to see China has taken very seriously the challenge to save energy and reduce emissions. We hope our catalysts solutions can contribute more to this approach.”

 

SCR is one of several technology platforms BASF has developed to meet the growing demand for emission-control technologies, resulting from the implementation of more stringent heavy duty diesel regulations worldwide. The SCR catalyst comprises a catalytically active component coated on a ceramic honeycomb. When a reductant, such as AdBlue® urea by BASF, is added to the system, the catalyst promotes a chemical reaction that converts NOx into water and nitrogen.

BASF is a global leader in the catalysts market. It received an “Award of the decade” from the United Nations for its achievements in the field. In the late 1960s the company pioneered SCR technology for stationary-source applications such as power generation and industrial manufacturing facilities. BASF continues to be a major supplier to the stationary-source market.