FAQ about AdBlue

What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is a non-toxic aqueous urea solution used to chemically reduce Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty diesel powered vehicles. AdBlue is classified under the minimum risk category of transportable fluids. AdBlue is guaranteed to meet the Standards of ISO 22241 and DIN V 70070 and the CEFIC regulations to safeguard the correct functioning of your vehicle’s SCR system.

What are Euro IV and Euro V?

Euro IV and Euro V are standards set by the EU, to control emission of pollutants from heavy-duty vehicles. NOx, particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) are the components regulated. Euro IV was implemented from Oct. 2005 to Oct. 2006 and Euro V implementation dates from Oct. 2008 to Oct. 2009.

The Emissions limit for NOx is 3.5 g/kWh in Euro IV and 2.0 g/kWh in Euro V.

What is SCR technology?

SCR stands for Selective Catalytic Reduction. Almost all major European heavy-duty vehicles manufacturers have decided to use this technology to meet the new emission legislation.

The main components of the SCR system are the SCR catalyst, the AdBlue injection unit, the AdBlue tank and the AdBlue dosing control unit. AdBlue is injected into the exhaust pipe upstream of the catalyst where its urea molecules react with heat and water to form ammonia.
 

When the NOx reacts inside the catalyst with the ammonia, the harmful NOx molecules in the exhaust are converted to harmless nitrogen and water.

How much does AdBlue cost?

The price of AdBlue will vary according to quantities delivered, but it is estimated to be roughly half the gross price of diesel per litre. Reduced fuel consumption of SCR equipped vehicles can more than compensate for the cost of AdBlue.

How much AdBlue will I need?

The average AdBlue consumption is about 4% by volume of diesel consumption for Euro IV and about 6% for Euro V. Roughly this amounts to an AdBlue consumption of 1.7 litres per 100 km of highway driving.