What is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)?
SCR is the leading technology to meet diesel emission regulations. It uses a urea based diesel exhaust fluid (known as AdBlue or DEF) and a catalytic converter to significantly reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions.
How does an SCR system work?
The purpose of the SCR system is to reduce levels of NOx (oxides of nitrogen emitted from the engine) that are harmful to our health and the environment. SCR is an integrated system that combines the SCR catalyst unit, the engine/emission control module, the on board diagnostics unit (OBD) as well as an AdBlue dosing unit and AdBlue storage tank. The system components are integrated to ensure that the required emissions reductions are always being achieved.
What are the advantages for a fleet by using SCR technology?
SCR applied engines will deliver what customers need in these challenging economic times. Utilising SCR technology can provide fuel economy improvements. SCR catalyst technology allows much greater NOx conversion efficiency, thereby allowing the engine to be fully optimised, which contributes to improved fuel economy.
How does AdBlue work within a SCR system?
SCR systems are designed to reduce levels of NOx that are harmful to our health and the environment. SCR is the aftertreatment technology that treats exhaust gas downstream of the engine. Small quantities of AdBlue are injected into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst. This converts to ammonia in the exhaust stream and reacts with NOx over the catalyst to form harmless nitrogen gas and water.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is the reactant necessary for the functionality of the SCR system. It is a carefully blended aqueous urea solution of 32.5% high synthetic urea and 67.5% deionised water.
What is urea?
Urea is a compound of nitrogen that turns to ammonia when heated. It is used in a variety of industries, including as a fertiliser in agriculture.
Is AdBlue a toxic solution?
AdBlue is a non-toxic, non-polluting and non-flammable solution. It is stable, colourless, odourless, and meets accepted international standards for purity and composition. MSDS sheets are currently available.
How will I know that the AdBlue product I purchase will work?
The AdBlue you purchase should be fully compliant with the International Organisation for Standardisation, ISO 22241-1, and be certified to the German Association of the Automotive Industry - Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA) for AdBlue manufacture and quality systems.
Is the 32.5% urea solution critical?
Yes, The 32.5% urea concentration is the ideal solution as it provides the lowest freeze point. Also, SCR systems will be calibrated to the 32.5%, so that optimum NOx will be reduced during operation.
What is the freeze point of AdBlue?
A 32.5% solution of AdBlue will begin to crystallise and freeze at -11 deg C. At 32.5%, both the urea and water will freeze at the same rate, ensuring that as it thaws, the fluid does not become diluted, or over concentrated.
With a freezing temperature of -11 deg C, what happens to the operation of the vehicle if the AdBlue freezes?
If the AdBlue freezes, it will not inhibit the operator from starting the vehicle. AdBlue thaws quickly once you start the vehicle.
Does anything happen to the AdBlue solution once it freezes?
If the AdBlue freezes and is thawed, it does not change its efficiency.
Will there be special equipment to ensure the AdBlue does not freeze, or can be thawed if it does freeze?
The installation of an SCR system will provide for the heating of the AdBlue tank and supply lines.
Are there special storage requirements for AdBlue?
AdBlue should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. While the optimum storage temperature is up to 30 degrees Celsius, temporary exposure to higher temperatures has little to no impact on the quality of AdBlue.
Is AdBlue corrosive?
AdBlue is corrosive to aluminium and other materials. Tank, packaging and dispensing equipment suppliers take all this into account and only use approved materials for their products.
If AdBlue is corrosive to aluminium, what will the AdBlue tanks be made of?
AdBlue tanks (on vehicle) will be made from non-corroding, highly durable materials such as stainless steel and high density polyethylene. Tank, packaging and dispensing equipment suppliers take all this into account and only use approved materials in their products.
What Fleetguard AdBlue package sizes are available?
Cummins Filtration offers Fleetguard AdBlue in 4, 10, 20, 205 and 1000 litre packs as well as bulk supply from 4,000 litres to 20,000 litres.
Where is Fleetguard AdBlue available?
At all Cummins Filtration and Fleetguard distributors and dealers in the South Pacific region.
What is the shelf life of AdBlue?
The shelf life is AdBlue defined in the ISO 22241-3 standards. At constant temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius the product will last a minimum of 12 months; at constant temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius the shelf life is reduced to a minimum of 6 months. It is recommended that AdBlue be stored out of the direct sunlight and below 35 degrees Celsius. Where higher ambient temperatures are experienced, tanks should be insulated or stored in a shaded area.
How much AdBlue will a vehicle consume?
AdBlue consumption is expected to be approximately 4-6% of fuel consumption, depending on vehicle operation, duty cycle, geography, and load ratings.
On SCR equipped vehicles, what changes will be expected for lube service intervals?
There will be no changes to the service intervals on SCR equipped vehicles. The SCR process impacts the exhaust emissions after they are produced by the engine, therefore will have no effect on the engine lube service intervals.
Who owns the AdBlue trademark?
AdBlue is the registered trade name of the German Association of the Automotive Industry - Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA) and may only be used under a VDA official license agreement.
