AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid used in vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful gases being released into the atmosphere. AdBlue is a 32,5 % solution of high-purity, synthetically manufactured urea in de-mineralized water. It is a safe-to-use fluid.
HusNyTek’s AdBlue product is certified according to ISO 22241 (ISO 22241-1, ISO 22241-2, ISO 22241-3). This international standard protects your vehicle from contamination which could cause serious damage. Using a urea solution of incorrect or low quality that does not follow these standards risks costly repairs.
If you are in Brazil, this product is called ARLA32. If you are in the US, this product is called DEF (diesel exhaust fluid).
HOME-DEPOT SUPPLY METHODS
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are a standardised method of storing and transporting liquids used in the chemical industry. IBCs hold 1000L of AdBlue® and are competitively priced in comparison to on-the-road supply methods. Also, IBCs do not require permanent installation, and are currently one of the most popular options for the haulage industry.
Mini-bulk
A mini-bulk system is a fixed installation at a haulier’s home depot. Typically mini bulk systems have a capacity between 4000-7000L and require regular refilling by an AdBlue® producer. Due to the quantity of AdBlue® purchased, cost/litre is low compared to other methods. However, the equipment is expensive and requires installation and maintenance.
STORAGE AND HANDLING.
The purity of AdBlue® must be ensured throughout the supply chain and when stored at a home depot. Therefore, AdBlue® must be transported and stored in a manner that conforms to the CEFIC guidelines. When stored at a home depot, the AdBlue® mustn’t be decanted from IBCs or bulk containers into smaller canisters as SCR catalysts are sensitive to many contaminants – especially mineral ions – and can suffer irreversible damage. If the damage has resulted from mishandling of AdBlue®, the vehicle’s warranty is likely to be found invalid. #AdBlue is the Registered Trademark of Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V (VDA).
To some extent, AdBlue® is sensitive to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. The solution will freeze if its temperature falls below -11°C and the urea content can decrease if stored at temperatures over 30°C. However, AdBlue® is not harmed by the freezing process and once thawed will retain its concentration and quality. In areas where the temperature is frequently more than 30°C (Greece, Spain etc.) it is necessary to ensure that the solution is not stored in direct sunlight. #AdBlue is the Registered Trademark of Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V (VDA)
WHO NEEDS AdBlue®?
Currently, AdBlue® is required by the majority of heavy duty diesel vehicles (trucks, buses, and coaches) purchased after October 2006.
To meet the Euro IV and V emissions limits, all of the major European truck makers, to a greater or lesser extent, offer SCR-equipped vehicles. However, MAN and Scania have a firm focus on an alternative technology called EGR that does not require the use of AdBlue® and have equipped the majority of their model ranges accordingly.
It is important to ensure that the vehicles remain supplied with AdBlue®, as an on-board policing system will enforce a torque penalty if the AdBlue® tank is empty. This is to ensure that the vehicles’ NOx emissions remain below the legal limit.
WHAT IS SCR?
SCR, or Selective Catalytic Reduction, is an emissions control technology first employed on coal-fired power stations to clean oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from the exhaust gasses. In 2006, the technology successfully crossed into the European heavy-duty diesel market, where it enabled trucks to meet the Euro IV and V limits.
An SCR system uses AdBlue® and a vanadium or base metal catalyst mounted in the vehicle’s muffler to reduce NOx to water vapour and atmospheric nitrogen. This reaction takes place downstream of the engine in the exhaust system and is known as “after-treatment”. Unlike the alternative EGR technology – championed by MAN and Scania – SCR tackles the problem outside of the engine and has the potential to achieve >80% NOx reduction rates, allowing the engine to be tuned for maximum efficiency. Having the engine set up for maximum efficiency allows for an estimated fuel saving of 3-5%, allowing operators to save thousands on their annual diesel fuel bills.