SCR emulator, why you might need one and how it works

SCR emulator is a device designed to override the onboard SCR system ECU and assure that engine ECU and other related electronic modules get the accurate data necessary for standard functionality. Emulator replaces SCR system ECU and makes it discreetly, without any negative impact on other vehicle systems. But let’s look up closer how it works and why this device might be interesting to you.

How does the SCR catalyst work?

SCR or Selective Catalytic Reduction system widely used on modern diesel trucks and other heavy vehicles to reduce NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions. NOx emissions rise when diesel fuel burns at a higher temperature with a more significant amount of air necessary for the normal combustion process. It makes the diesel engine more efficient — moreover, additional NOx emissions generated on DPF (diesel particulate filter) regeneration process. Exhaust gas temperature is raised artificially by engine ECU to burn out the diesel particulate matter from DPF filter.

The task of the SCR catalyst is to convert NOx to nitrogen gas and water. There are several types of SCR catalytic converters, but nowadays the most popular kind of SCR catalytic converters based on the use of reductants like anhydrous ammonia, aqueous ammonia or urea. Reductants injected into the SCR catalytic converter when the necessary catalytic converter temperature reached. The pumped liquid called DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) and the most known brand of this fluid – AdBlue. That’s why SCR emulators sometimes called AdBlue emulators.

SCR catalyst system failure

SCR catalytic converter systems are expensive and fragile. Bearing in mind that freight trucks overcome extremely long distances each year, their wear is also fast enough. Also, weather conditions when temperatures fall to a sufficiently low level can damage SCR systems. What happens when the SCR system fails in one way or another? In this case, many parameters, such as engine power, engine speed limitation, increased fuel consumption, etc., may vary depending on the engine manufacturer.

There are only two ways to avoid the negative consequences of an SCR catalyst system failure. One way is to repair or replace the SCR catalyst system, but it is costly. Another way is to install the emulator.

What is an SCR emulator and how does it work?

The emulator is an electronic device that connects to the vehicle’s CAN network like all other electronic modules in the car. The primary function of the emulator is to send specific parameters to the engine control computer. SCR emulator simulates or more accurately emulates the regular operation of the SCR catalyst even if it is damaged or completely removed. In both cases, the engine management computer will get specific parameters that the emulator will generate, ensuring smooth engine performance.

SCR emulator benefits

The main benefit of the AdBlue emulator is the possibility of avoiding costly SCR system repair. Saving is not limited to that. After installing the emulator, the SCR system no longer uses DEF fluid. And this means that costs reduced significantly. Also, we should mention that the emulator ensures further operation of the truck as well as restores engine power and reduces fuel consumption to normal levels.

Forget about reduced engine power, diagnostic errors associated with SCR system failures, all of which resolved by installing an emulator.

Attention! Keep in mind that in some countries, strict environmental standards apply and the use of an emulator may be illegal and even punishable. Therefore, we recommend finding out if you can use the emulator legally in countries where you are running a truck equipped with this additional equipment.

Emulator types and application

In particular, the emulators are divided by engine type. There are two most popular options – EURO 5 and EURO 6 diesel engines. EURO 5 emulators are not compatible with EURO 6 engines and vice versa, so you should carefully choose the type of emulator to avoid compatibility issues.

SCR emulators are suitable for trucks, buses, other heavy vehicles or agricultural machinery equipped with EURO 5 or EURO 6 type diesel engines.

There is a wide range of various emulators designed for vehicles and engines manufactured by MAN, DAF, Scania, Iveco, Volvo, Renault, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and other manufacturers.

SCR emulators

We can offer a wide range of emulators for various vehicles and engine types. Our emulators developed and manufactured in the EU, and this guarantees high quality and reliability.

We offer next business day delivery for UK, Ireland, and the EU clients as well as express warranty service. Truckdiag provides state of the art emulators for such trucks like DAF LF, Scania R730, and all EURO 6 series.