New Engelhard catalyst technology cuts platinum use
Wed Apr 27, 2005 12:17 PM ET
 NEW YORK, April 27 (Reuters) - Specialty chemicals company Engelhard Corp. said Wednesday it will begin production next month of its new diesel automobile catalyst technology, which meets stringent Euro IV emissions standards and also cuts automakers' precious metals costs.
The company's platinum/palladium diesel oxidation catalyst technology, in which vehicles will be fitted with a three-catalyst system, enables palladium to be substituted for one-third of the more expensive platinum on one of those catalysts.
Catalytic converters are used on vehicles to cut harmful engine emissions.
Iselin, New Jersey-based Engelhard said serial production of the technology, which it has been developing for the past few years, will start on new model platforms from two major European carmakers in May.
The company declined to name the two auto manufacturers. However, Engelhard spokesman Ted Lowen said the technology was geared toward mainly passenger cars.
Engelhard declined to say how much platinum and palladium would be used on average per vehicle with the new technology.
The company was also working on technology for U.S. auto production in advance of stricter emissions regulations beginning in 2007, Lowen said.
Diesel-engine pollution is of growing concern to government regulators around the world. Euro IV regulations require carmakers to sharply cut emissions of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulates, which pollute the air and are linked to respiratory diseases.
The stricter Euro IV requirements went into effect in Europe early this year.
Engelhard said it uses the three-catalyst system to achieve regulatory compliance.
Aside from creating some precious metals cost savings by using more palladium, the new technology also meets the high temperature durability required in diesel-emission-control applications.
Source: Reuters
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