What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is a highly rinsed diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) with the official name AUS32, which accounts for 32.5%. Aqueous Urea Solution. Practicing AdBlue in a Weighty Properties Vehicle above 7.5 tonnes or a diesel engine car fitted with Choosy Catalytic Reduction is lawfully required.

What is AdBlue fluid made of?

AdBlue is a nonpoisonous, fire-retardant, and smell-less liquid containing 32.5% high-purity and 67.5% deionized water.

Why is AdBlue needed?

The transport business is the most important donor to greenhouse gas production, and also diesel-powered vehicles and equipment account for just about half of all nitrogen oxides (NOx). Therefore, the UK government is putting pressure on diesel car creators to do something about the harmful discharges of diesel exhausts.

Since 2006, the EU law’s 4th edition (Euro 4) regarding diesel emissions has been enact. The laws become stricter with every update, and the 4^th edition made it compulsory for all new lorries to have SCR fitted.

Euro 1 came into effect in 1993, where any truck producing more than 2.72 g/km of CO was require to use AdBlue. Since then, the regulation has become firmer, with Euro 6 being introduce in September 2014, which will oblige any truck producing more than 0.50 g/km of CO and over 0.08 g/km of NOx to use AdBlue fluid.

There were no exact European exhaust emissions standards until Euro 1 was implement in 1993.

What does AdBlue do?

AdBlue has become vibrant in reducing NOx output from engines as values have improved for vehicles, off-road vehicles, and passenger engines.

It has been design to meet the latest Euro 6 exhaust emission regulations and is critical in improving public health. Keeping a supply onsite is wise for any business that relies on diesel to complete its operations.

How does AdBlue fluid work?

Contaminating substances and mixtures, including Nitrogen Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide, are form once diesel engines burn petroleum. These elements build up in the air and produce smog and acid rain. It works through a procedure call choosy catalytic decrease. Before any emissions are release, the solution is spray finely into a diesel exhaust at a proportion roughly equal to 5% of the diesel fuel. This releases ammonia, a catalyst to a chemical reaction, and converts dangerous chemicals into nitrogen, water vapor, and CO2 – all unharmful to our lungs and the atmosphere. AdBlue is never directly add to the diesel fuel and will never come into contact. It is store in a dedicate AdBlue container with a gauge and metering system.

Who requires AdBlue?

All commercial diesel-engine vehicles that weigh above 7.5 tons and vehicles manufacture after October 2006 (Euro IV and Euro V) are fit with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. For SCR to function – and for the vehicle to function – AdBlue must be inject into the exhaust gases as a post-combustion process.

What happens if I run out of AdBlue?

When your SCR-equipped vehicle’s AdBlue levels run low, a warning alert will appear on the dashboard. If it runs out entirely, the car will lose power and reduce its emissions in line with legal standards. Its performance will be return when its AdBlue tank has been replenish.

As well as limit engine performance, running out of this could lead to fines or penalties as you will run the engine illegally. Be smart and always ensure you have an emergency on board or onsite.

How long does AdBlue last, and how do I store it?

Storing AdBlue is straightforward, although it must be kept between 11 and 30°C to maximize its 12-month expectancy. It’s available in IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) of 1,000 liters, 205-litre barrels, and several more miniature 10-litre packs to cater to all requirements.

Is AdBlue hazardous?

AdBlue is not hazardous and has no known effects or critical hazards. Urea is a raw material that also occurs naturally in our digestive system. However, we strongly advise that you never inhale or ingest  due to the risk of a reaction.

Although not hazardous, AdBlue is corrosive and can dissolve materials not list as AdBlue proof in ISO 22241, which could cause malfunctions in your SCR catalyst.

You might want to wear gloves when dispensing it to keep your hands clean, but it can easily be wash off with water. It might stain any clothing, though.

Why do AdBlue prices change?

The cost of this fluctuates due to the cost of the raw products that make up the solution urea and water. There are no active urea processing plants in the UK, increasing demand and price. Buying in bulk means avoiding sudden price increases due to raw materials.

Benefits

Reduce NOx and CO₂ emissions from commercial vehicles are not the only benefits of it.

It also increases your fleet’s MPG and helps your business achieve greener goals and accreditation.

It’s completely safe to handle, easy to store, and non-flammable.

How do I keep my AdBlue clean and safe?

To avoid the high costs of replacing your AdBlue, follow these simple steps:

Always use dedicate dispensing equipment to transfer to avoid spillages

Ensure the tank lid is firmly shut to avoid water and contaminants getting in

If you suspect this contamination, you must not use the solution and dispose of it safely, as it can damage your engines.

If your AdBlue freezes when temperatures drop below -10°C, don’t worry – once it’s thaw out, it’s safe to use

Is all AdBlue the same?

To recognize quality AdBlue, it’s important to remember the following:

It should always be a colorless, transparent liquid

Only buy it from licensees registered by the VDA

Check for “AdBlue according to ISO 22241” on the container or dispensing system

Watch out for similar brand names that could be inferior in quality

Not all urea solutions are , so be wary of any  sale at meager prices

Where can I buy AdBlue?

It is widely available throughout the UK but differs in price significantly. Nationwide Fuels is a competitive supplier of high-quality, which you can buy from 10 liters up to 36,000 liters and more. Ensure your vehicle fleet is safe legal, and helps the environment.

Summary

AdBlue is the most commonly use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). It contains deionized water and motorized urea, decreasing harmful finish releases in diesel cars. It became necessary in 2015 when the EU familiarized the Euro 6 emissions normal.

The car needs as much as fuel so that it won’t run without it.

There’s a dashboard warning light when it has around 1,500 miles of fluid left in the tank. This gives you enough time to get the car to a highway service place, pump, or garage or buy a container and fill it up yourself.

If you choose to refill your AdBlue tank by yourself, ensure you do not mix it with diesel, as this can cause expensive damage to your car. By mistake, if you mix the two, do not start the car. You should call your recovery provider.