Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) announced its aggressive plan to have 400 to 500 diesel-engine trucks with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology in its fleet by year end. Airgas maintains one of the nation’s largest truck fleets and will use its own recently-launched Airgas AiRx™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in the SCR-equipped trucks.

“In an effort to reduce our fleet emissions, we took a close look at SCR technology and advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation, EGR, technology”

SCR technology reduces diesel exhaust pollutants by injecting diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the exhaust stream to breakdown harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) into inert nitrogen and water.

“In an effort to reduce our fleet emissions, we took a close look at SCR technology and advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation, EGR, technology,” said Tuffy Baum, national fleet manager for Airgas. “For us, SCR technology is the right choice as we can reduce each vehicle’s NOx emissions by as much as 90%. We’re also expecting to increase fuel economy by 5%. And, with SCR technology we’ll be able to improve the service life of engine lubricants and filters which means reduced maintenance costs.”

According to Baum, Airgas maintains an active fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles. He added that as diesel-engine trucks reach the end of their service life at Airgas, they will be replaced with new models using SCR systems. Beginning in January, new federal clean air regulations reduced allowable NOx emissions by new heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Most engine manufacturers (OEMs) are addressing the new EPA regulations by implementing SCR technology.

“Transitioning SCR technology into the Airgas fleet also gives us the opportunity to take an industry leadership position using the same diesel exhaust fluid we market to truck stops, fuel retailers, private fleets, and lubricant/fuel distributors undergoing this important change nationwide,” Baum added. “Our extensive distribution network allows us to supply our own fleet in every corner of the country, just as we can with our new customers.”

Airgas AiRx™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid is certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). API certification verifies that manufacturers and distributors are operating in compliance with industry standards and that DEF meets quality standards. Airgas markets Airgas AiRx through Airgas Specialty Products. Customers can get more information by calling 1-866-977-4DEF.

About Airgas, Inc.

Based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, the fifth largest producer of atmospheric merchant gases in North America, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities, and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog, and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.