The Complete Manual for Using AdBlue
14 Nov 2023
Modern diesel engines must use AdBlue, sometimes referred to as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), to lower dangerous nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. It is a transparent, non-toxic, and odourless mixture made up of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% urea. AdBlue is added to diesel engines' exhaust streams, where it decomposes into ammonia and interacts with harmful NOx in the catalytic converter to create innocuous nitrogen and water vapour. Diesel engines become more ecologically friendly as a result of this approach, which helps them adhere to tight emission rules.
To provide cleaner air and a more negligible environmental effect, AdBlue is frequently kept in a separate tank in diesel cars and has to be periodically filled, generally in proportion to fuel usage.
How does AdBlue fluid work?
Adblue, commonly referred to as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), is a vital part of contemporary diesel engines that helps them comply with strict environmental laws and decrease hazardous emissions. The main ingredients in AdBlue are urea and deionized water. SCR, or selective catalytic reduction, is the technology that underlies its functioning.
Adblue is sprayed into a diesel engine's exhaust stream during the SCR procedure. A chemical reaction takes place when the hot exhaust gases come into touch with the Adblue. Adblue's urea breaks down into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The leading participant in this scenario is ammonia, which acts as a catalyst in the conversion of dangerous nitrogen oxides (NOx) into safe nitrogen and water vapour.
Together with the engine's emissions control system, the SCR system, which frequently includes a catalytic converter, controls emissions. Understanding what is AdBlue makes it possible to transform NOx into ecologically friendly molecules, dramatically decreasing air pollution and improving diesel engine compliance with emission rules.
Adblue's contribution to this procedure is essential since it supplies the ammonia needed for the SCR catalyst to operate effectively. Its extensive usage in large trucks, buses, and different off-road vehicles helps to lessen the adverse environmental effects of diesel engines and promotes cleaner air.
Advantages of using AdBlue
Modern diesel engines can no longer function without AdBlue, a non-toxic mixture of urea and deionized water. It has several advantages, but its main goals centre on lowering harmful emissions and improving environmental sustainability.
First off, AdBlue significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, a major cause of smog and air pollution. It assists in satisfying strict emission limits and assuring compliance with environmental rules by converting NOx into safe nitrogen and water.
Additionally, using AdBlue increases the longevity of essential engine parts. The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and diesel particulate filter (DPF) experience reduced wear and tear as a result of the decreased NOx emissions. This results in fewer maintenance expenses and longer engine life.
Utilizing AdBlue can lead to long-term savings in money. Although there is an additional cost, the decrease in fuel usage more than makes up for it. AdBlue's ability to promote a more effective combustion process can increase fuel efficiency, which, over time, can save the owner of the vehicle money.
Utilizing AdBlue in India also supports corporate social responsibility programmes and enhances a company's reputation. It shows a dedication to minimizing environmental effects and understanding issues with global sustainability. It improves environmental quality, increases the lifespan of essential engine parts, and may result in cost savings. Adopting AdBlue is a positive move for environmental protection and ethical corporate conduct.
When is AdBlue used?
Vehicles equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction catalyst, or SCR, employ AdBlue. Before they leave the car, exhaust gases are purified thanks to an SCR catalyst. The majority of heavy-duty vehicles meeting Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6 requirements have an SCR system, which means they employ AdBlue. Most trucks manufactured after 2005 fall within this category; the first passenger vehicles with diesel engines and SCR were unveiled in 2014 in response to the Euro 6 criteria.
Behind the particle filter in the exhaust is an SCR. A determined amount of AdBlue is injected from the AdBlue reservoir when a specified level of NOx wants to access the catalyst. The SCR catalyst transforms the AdBlue into ammonia and a small quantity of carbon dioxide. The non-hazardous materials nitrogen and water are produced when the generated ammonia interacts with the NOx. For this reaction to occur fast and adequately, the SCR catalyst is required.
If you are familiar with what is AdBlue, a dashboard notification will show if AdBlue needs to be topped off while driving. This may either be done by you or someone else in your garage. It is crucial to act upon this warning right away since a low AdBlue level might prohibit your car from starting.
The AdBlue reservoir can be found in several places. It is often found near the diesel filling hole in passenger automobiles and may be identified by the blue cap. The AdBlue tank, however, may occasionally be situated somewhere else. If needed, refer to the owner's handbook for your car. AdBlue may frequently be refilled at significant filling stations for trucks, and small package sizes are available for passenger vehicles and vans.
If the AdBlue runs out, would your car still run?
No, not correctly, at least. All vehicles equipped with AdBlue include a sensor that alerts the driver when the fuel level drops, giving you plenty of time (and distance) to make the necessary repairs. Your car will enter limp mode if you wait and let the tank run out, limiting your ability to drive and occasionally even turning off comfort features like the air conditioner and heated seats. Until the AdBlue tank is full again, you won't be able to restart the engine. Ordinarily, your automobile won't start again until you have at least 5 litres of the substance.
What Does It Cost, and Where Can You Get It?
AdBlue in India is often available in bottles at petrol stations or online. There are several brands, just like there are for fuel, but it doesn't really matter which one you use as long as it complies with the ISO standard. Pay special attention to any code on the bottle that starts with "ISO 22241". This ensures that it complies with quality and safety regulations and won't harm your SCR catalyst.
AdBlue is often marketed in bottles of five or ten litres, and you may anticipate paying between £1 and £1.50 per litre. To have your dealer handle it will cost you a bit extra. Although these often are in the HGV lane at service stations, you might also use an AdBlue pump at a filling station. The price of AdBlue varies according to the manufacturer and filling method you select. A 10-litre container typically costs between £10 and $15. You will pay per litre if you pick a public pump. The cost varies from one pump to the next.
What Takes Place if Diesel Is Put Into the AdBlue Tank?
The entire AdBlue tank can become contaminated by even a small quantity of fuel. Additionally, it may seriously harm your exhaust system, which would be costly to repair.
If you do start driving, you could realize that your automobile is acting strangely. After filling up, if your gasoline level doesn't appear to have changed, your car feels odd, or any warning lights come on, pull over as soon as you can and contact your recovery company.
The best course of action if you accidentally fill your AdBlue tank with diesel is to remain there and dial your recovery company. Do not start the engine to prevent costly harm.
Conclusion
Modern diesel engines depend heavily on AdBlue, an essential emission-reducing fluid. It aids in complying with strict environmental requirements by turning dangerous nitrogen oxides into innocuous nitrogen and water. The adoption of AdBlue in India shows a commitment to sustainability and improved air quality, and it has since become a crucial weapon in the fight against pollution.