What is Adblue® and how does it work?
For sure that you have heard it, and you are wondering what Adblue is, the solution that is used in modern- diesel vehicles to decrease the harmful emissions, specifically the nitrogen oxides (NOx), and how it works.
The global concern about the air pollution and the climate change push forward the implementation of increasingly stringent environmental regulations. In Europe, the Euro 6 standard imposes rigorous limits on NOx emission for diesel vehicles. Up to this point, Adblue contributes to a cleaner air and, at the same time it improves people quality of life in general. Thus, understanding what Adblue is and how it works is essential to every driver with diesel vehicles, and who wants to have peace of mind regarding compliance with the regulations in force for the reduction of the environmental footprint.
What is AdBlue ®?
To understand what Adblue is, we must think of a liquid solution that is used in diesel vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). This system reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) that contribute actively to air pollution.
AdBlue, which is a precise blend of 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% deionised water. It is intended to reduce NOx emissions through its use in the SCR system of diesel vehicles.
How does it work?
To understand how AdBlue works, which is a fuel additive, it is essential to know that the solution is stored in a separated tank and that it is consumed as the vehicle travel. The amount of AdBlue a vehicle consumes depends on the vehicle type, engine, driving style and operating conditions. In general terms, consumption is approximately 3-5 % of diesel fuel consumption.
The use of AdBlue in diesel vehicles allows to comply with the stringent environmental regulations, as it is the Euro 6 in Europe. Euro 6 sets specific limits in terms of NOx emissions.
How and when refill the AdBlue?
As AdBlue is a urea and deionised water mixture, it must be kept in a cool, dry place, far away from direct sunlight and from extreme temperatures. The ideal storage temperature is between -5ºC and 25ºC. While manipulating AdBlue, it is recommended to use gloves as, even though it is not a dangerous substance, it could irritate the skin. Make sure you do not spill the liquid on painted or metallic surfaces, since it can cause corrosion.
Modern diesel vehicles are equipped with a system that monitors the AdBlue level and warns the driver when it is necessary to be refilled.
Most of the vehicles notify with enough time, usually when the level decreases to around 20% of its total capacity. Note that, if the additive is depleted, the SCR system will stop working and the vehicle may go into safety mode, limiting its performance or even preventing the engine from starting.
In this way, keeping the deposit filled up and following these practices, allow to ensure an efficient and extended performance of the emissions reduction system in our diesel vehicles.
