BASF has announced the commercial launch of PremAir NXT, a next-generation direct ozone reduction (DOR) catalytic coating technology that can help automakers meet new US Tier 3 and California LEV III emissions reduction requirements.

When applied to automotive radiators, the PremAir NXT solution converts harmful ground-level ozone – the main component of smog – into oxygen. PremAir NXT builds on the success of BASF’s standard PremAir coating technology, providing increased durability and higher ozone conversion performance over the lifetime of a vehicle.

“As the trend continues toward smaller automotive engines and smaller radiators, it’s important to increase the performance of the catalytic coatings that can be used,” says Jim Chirumbole, vice president, BASF Mobile Emissions Catalysts – Americas. “PremAir NXT meets this challenge, providing a new tool that OEMs can use to help manage their fleet strategy, allowing them to meet the requirements needed to earn emissions credits despite the use of smaller radiators with less coatable surface area.”

US Tier 3 and California LEV III regulations require automotive manufacturers to meet more stringent standards across their entire fleet, eventually achieving a fleet average of 30 mg/mile (approximately 19 mg/km) of non-methane organic gases (NMOG) + nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 2025. In addition, these regulations require increased performance and durability for the vehicle emissions control system to 150,000 miles (approximately 240,000 km). PremAir NXT supports these objectives, and provides a 5 mg/mile credit towards vehicle emissions certification, which is applied to the total emissions of the vehicle over its lifetime.

LONG EXPERIENCE

BASF has more than 10 years of experience with its proprietary PremAir coating technology, which has been used in more than three million vehicles.

BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air, produce the fuels that power and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials.

“By leveraging its industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success,” a company statement said.

BASF’s portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. It is recognised as the world’s leading chemical company, combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. BASF had sales of about €74 billion ($82.93 billion) in 2013 and over 112,000 employees as of the end of the year.