Adblue® Contamination - The Facts

New legislation regarding emission limits have been set by the EU. These new exhaust limits come into force in 2005 (EURO4) and in 2008 (EURO5).  The limits are set out in several EU Directives, including 88/77/EEC, 1999/96/EC and 2001/27/EC.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and AdBlue® has been selected by the vehicle manufactures.  It has been selected as a solution to help with the diesel emissions.

AdBlue® was introduced to heavy-duty vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to reduce the nitrogen oxide emissions (N0x).  Adblue® usage amounts to approx. 3-4% of the fuel consumption on EURO4 vehicles.  A typical heavy-duty vehicle will consume approx. 3 tonnes of AdBlue per year.

Although AdBlue® is considered non-hazardous it presents several probloems during storage and handling on a day to day basis.

AdBlue®:

quickly crystallises when exposed to air
It freezes at - 11 degrees C
It has a corrosive effect on some common metals
It should be protected from contamination.
It should not be released freely into the environment.

These properties require that AdBlue is handled with care.  Any equipment coming into contact must be of suitable material.

Dispensing systems must minimise contact with air to prevent crystallisation, provide protection from the cold and prevent spillage. 

AdBlue Requires a Sealed Connection
To ensure AdBlue can be handled in a reliable and safe way, IDENTIC have developed a sealed dispensing system for refilling AdBlue on vehicles.  This spill-free vehicle refilling system provides the following advantages.

1/  Prevents the risk of spillage, crystallisation and corrosion on the vehicle and the filling point.

2/  Ensures only AdBlue can be filled in the vehicles AdBlue tank preventing the risk of permanent damage to the SCR equipment.

3/  Protects the quality of the AdBlue, preventing the risk of AdBlue® contamination and maintaining the vehicle emission standards it is designed to achieve.