Information Section

AdBlue is a trade name for AUS32 (Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5%). It is injected into the exhaust gases of modern diesel engines as a post combustion process. Its purpose is to reduce the percentage of harmful NOx (Nitrous Oxides) present in the vehicles emissions.

The reaction takes place in a special piece of equipment called an SCR. The requirements to reduce vehicles harmful emissions (pollutants) are specified in European legislation, namely Euro 4, 5 and 6.

In order to reach the reduced levels of pollutants as defined within current and future European legislation, vehicle manufacturers need to call on one of two types of technology: either SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) or EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).

AdBlue is made up from 32.5% Urea mixed with De-Ionised water. (Its full composition can be viewed here) AdBlue is only ever used in conjunction with an SCR.

SCR stands for Selective Catalytic Reduction. Vehicles which are equipped with an SCR will carry an AdBlue storage tank in addition to the standard fuel tank. AdBlue is transferred from the storage tank and injected under pressure into the exhaust gases where a series of chemical reactions take place.

The following diagram is supplied courtesy of Handling-AdBlue.co.uk

Essentially the process involves the AdBlue mixture being passed on to the super heated porous ceramic head of the SCR where the de-ionised water evaporates and the remaining urea is passed on as a reagent (breaking the Nitrous Oxides into mostly Nitrogen and Water).

Any contaminants present in the AdBlue will collect on the SCR, eventually causing it to clog and fail, therefore it is imperative for the AdBlue to remain free from impurities through all stages of production, storage and dispensing.

Vialtis, the road services expert, have produced a report explaining the fundamental differences between Selective Catalytic Reduction and Exhaust Gas Recirculation. Including how each technology will cope with changes in future legislation. At present EGR technology cannot meet the requirements of Euro 6. You can view the report in our downloads section.

Efficient AdBlue Transfer relies on suitable equipment being installed, failure to install the correct system can result either in premature product failure, or even worse a catastrophic event, such as SCR Failure.

AdBlue is very susceptible to contamination from both foreign matter and incorrect material selection. It is imperative that this is considered when deciding which dispensing solution is best for your application.

The main influence in this instance is where the de-ionised water element of the solution draws ions from materials which 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.

The most common causes of premature SCR failures are typically either a result of the ingress of damaged pump parts being accidentally transferred into the AdBlue Tank or as a result of incorrect material selection. Inert materials should always be used to handle AdBlue.

The range of AdBlue transfer equipment which we supply is designed specifically to meet the demands of dispensing AdBlue from drums, IBC’s and fixed storage tank facilities.

There are strict standards in place to ensure the quality of AdBlue is not compromised. More information on these standards can be found in our downloads section.

New ISO standard for the quality requirements of AUS32                    

The following table is provided courtesy of www.Handling-AdBlue.co.uk it provides a simple guide to your adblue requirements based on the volume of diesel fuel your SCR equipped fleet consums per week.

Guaranteed Supply
Air 1 is the industry recognised leading AdBlue Solution. Produced by the world’s largest AdBlue manufacturer Yara and delivered throughout Europe by leading chemical distributor Brenntag.

Unrivalled Availability
With several production plants across Europe and 14 distribution centres across the UK, customers of the Air 1 solution are assured that the AdBlue product is never in short supply.

Premium Product Quality
Air 1 is guaranteed to meet the strict requirements of ISO22241 in full. With a fully traceable supply chain spanning from manufacture through to point of delivery, peace of mind is delivered by way of our quality assured distribution network.