AdBlue™ Frequently Asked Questions
AdBlue is a reagent (a reagent is a material used to start a chemical reaction) which consists of approximately 32.5% Urea and 67.5% De-ionised / de-mineralised water. It is injected through an SCR as a post combustion process into the exhaust gases to help reduce the volume of harmful NOx (Nitrous Oxide) emissions produced from Diesel engines as required by Euro IV and Euro V regulations... click here for detailed information on AdBlue Please note AdBlue should never be mixed with the contents of your fuel storage tank
An SCR (selective catalytic reduction) is a catalyst installed into the exhaust system of modern vehicles the SCR injects AdBlue into the exhaust gases under pressure. The SCR typically has a head made from Zeolite (Ceramic) or Vanadium. Vanadium SCR's are less common as the process involved in their production is also harmful to the environment...
Cermamic SCR's are VERY susceptible to damage from foreign matter and AdBlue who's structure has changed due to the de-ionised water stripping ions from incorrectly specified materials of construction.
AdBlue needs to be produced to the DIN70070 and/or new ISO22241 standards. It is important that it is both stored and handled correctly, failure to store or handle AdBlue correctly risks damaging the SCR and prevents the AdBlue solution from working correctly. Most vehicle manufacturers will not support warranty claims if the AdBlue solution has been incorrectly handled... the CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council) have produced quality assurance guidlines to help users prevent these costly errors... click here to view both the DIN70070 standard and the CEFIC quality Asurance document for correct handling of AdBlue™
What can compromise the quality of AdBlue?
Various things can affect the quality of AdBlue , firstly the storage temperature of AdBlue must not be allowed to fall below -11°C, likewise it should not be stored above 30°C (at which point hydrolysis starts to occur,) at 55°C the level of ammonia vapour rising from the solution can become highly toxic and the solution is compromised beyond sustainable use.
Secondly it is imperative that foreign matter cannot come into contact with the solution, this is why when hauliers receive large consignments of AdBlue, the tanks are filled using a special coupling which prevents contamination. The most common of which is the TODO coupling the TODO coupling is traditionally used in the aviation refuelling market, another industry which requires stringent refilling conditions.
The other major factor which is most often overlooked when handling AdBlue is ensuring that the correct materials of construction are used. Too often operators overlook this final (yet essential) requirement and use materials of construction which are not suitable. The main influence in this instance is where the de-ionized water element of the solution draws ions from materials it comes into contact with, this changes the chemical composition of the AdBlue and causes salts to form which in turn clog the Ceramic head on the SCR. Inert materials should always be used to handle AdBlue. More information on this topic can be found in the Equipment Specifications section.
How is AdBlue supplied? What is the price of AdBlue?
This will vary greatly dependant upon volume purchased, at present the majority of the cost in supplying AdBlue consists of logistics recovery. Even though the quantity of AdBlue produced in the UK at present is very small, British production is expected to grow massively over the next few years. This will in turn ensure that prices remain competitive. As a result of this, some suppliers are now looking to secure long term customer contracts in order to help them keep the current prices low.
Due to the continuing fluctuation of AdBlue prices, we encourage all our readers to visit the following site where prices are regularly updated: www.buyadblue.co.uk
Who Distributes AdBlue in the UK?
Many manufacturers have agents and outlets across the UK and there are simply too many to list here, information on where to buy AdBlue can be found in this section of our site: where to buy AdBlue
