Robert Bosch GmbH has signed a contract with Clean Diesel Technologies Inc (CDTI), licensing the use of ARIS urea dosing technology and a combination EGR/SCR platform. CDTI specialises in environmental technology and for SCR systems has developed a portfolio of intellectual property for diesel engine applications.

With the deal signed, Bosch will now be able to use elements of the ARIS dosing system in its Denoxtronic II airless dosing system. These include using a return flow of urea solution rather than air to cool the injector, removing the need for compressed air within the dosing system. Airless dosing systems are much simpler, have fewer components and are considerably easier to integrate into vehicles. Airless dosing will be essential on future SCR equipped passenger cars, as unlike HDVs they do not have a supply of compressed air. CDTI also holds the patent for combination EGR/SCR emissions reduction platforms, the most likely solution for Euro VI and US 2010 limits.

More recently, on 31 May 2007, a similar deal was agreed between CDTI and Combustion Components Associates (CCA) of Connecticut, USA. The contract will license CCA to use ARIS airless dosing and the EGR/SCR combination for stationary and vehicle applications.

The deal with Bosch could prove to be lucrative for CDTI, with Bosch currently enjoying strong position in the heavy duty diesel SCR market, and looking at SCR passenger car dosing applications.

In other news, CDTI has announced the launch of their Purifier retrofit system for London LEZ-related applications. The Purifier system is capable of upgrading HDVs from Euro I to Euro III, and Euro II to Euro IV emission standards, allowing HDVs to comply with the LEZ emission limits. The Purifier retrofit system requires the use of the Platinum Plus fuel borne catalyst (FBC), also supplied by CDTI, to enhance in-cylinder combustion and reduce particulates. To upgrade a 260bhp 7ltr HDV to Euro III levels will require an investment of about £2000 ($US4000), £3000 (US$6000) to Euro IV. Dr Bernhard Steiner CEO estimates the potential European LEZ market to be worth in excess of £50 million (US$99.5 million) over the next few years. Unlike catalysed DPF systems, the Purifier does not increase the NO2/NO emission ratio.