Everything You Need To Know About AdBlue
Since September of 2015, AdBlue fluid has been added to the fuel list for all new diesel automobiles to the world vis-a-vis environmental concerns. Many production companies equip their most upgraded models with the system that uses the AdBlue fuel to provide much less dangerous emissions.
AdBlue is ready to play a massive part in the greener and healthier future of the motoring field, so it is imperative to know all about AdBlue and why you need to use it. To make certain that your car aligns with emission guidelines, today’s agenda is to focus on covering the AdBlue fuel and everything about it.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is an exhaust fluid that has its separate tank and is stored completely separated from the vehicle’s fuel.
To be precise, AdBlue is urea in liquid form. It is compounded of 67.5% ionised water and 32.5 % urea. When the engine is heated up, the AdBlue fluid too heats up and releases ammonia which acts as the catalyst. The released ammonia reacts chemically and converts nitrogen oxide into water and nitrogen which are two absolutely harmless substances. These are then ousted as exhaust gases, reducing the pollution caused by diesel automobiles.
You should always get AdBlue topped up whenever you get your vehicle for servicing, and you might require to top it up once or twice between the services. Usually, the vehicles have indicators and blue coloured cap for you to know where this fluid is supposed to go, however, it would be much better if you refer to the vehicle’s manual, and also understand the features while buying it
Mechanism behind AdBlue
AdBlue is an uncoloured liquid that is a concoction of high-purity urea (32.5%) and deionised water (67.5%). The compound is a vital element of selective catalytic reduction(SCR) technology, which is one of the most effective systems for the nitrogen oxide levels withinside the exhaust fumes which can be outputted through diesel engines.
Nitrogen oxide is one of the most dangerous and poisonous pollution emitted by the engines of automobiles. This is because it reacts with different gases present in the atmosphere which then forms into small particles and ozone. Both these elements can damage lung tissue in human beings and animals.
What is AdBlue used for?
There is no doubt that diesel engines produce various dangerous air pollutants which are prone to damage the respiratory system. Nitrogen oxide is also one of the major contributors to the formation of smog and acid rain. This is why, we suggest you buy AdBlue because it is designed to work well with SCR technology. SCR technology is designed to do away with all the polluting oxides from diesel exhaust emissions, and it requires AdBlue to do that.
Which automobiles use AdBlue Fluid?
Usually, AdBlue is used in agricultural vehicles, lorries, buses and coaches that have been using the selective catalytic reduction(SCR) technology from the mid-2000s.
How can you know whether your vehicle needs AdBlue or not? The handiest way to find it out is to have a glance below the fuel cap cover. If there is a secondary, smaller back or blue cap adjacent to the primary cap, then your vehicle requires it. Usually, the secondary cap is labelled with the product’s name to keep away from confusion. Even the manual that comes with a vehicle has detailed information regarding whether or not your vehicle has an SCR system, and if there is, then what to do with it and how to maintain it.
Normally, vehicles with SCR system have a driver system that informs the driver about the low levels of fuel in the tank, including AdBlue fluid, reminding you that it is time to refill the tank.
AdBlue for Agriculture
The agricultural industry has been using the AdBlue fluid in their tractors, trucks and various commercial vehicles, so the industry is properly privy to the way it works and all the plus points it brings.
It was very necessary to switch to AdBlue because the harmful pollutants could cause damage to crops and vegetations. Which can again be harmful to human beings and animals. To avoid such hazards and protect the agricultural fields, the industry adopted the AdBlue SCR technology vehicles.
According to standard norms, an agricultural vehicle must have SCR technology, Exhaustion Gas Recirculation (EGR), and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) because these can help in the reduction of nitrogen oxide formation.
What is the shelf-life of AdBlue fluid?
In general, AdBlue has a shelf-life of 18 months i.e. one and a half year in storage. To maintain AdBlue in its optimal condition, keep it:
- Away from direct sunlight
- and maintain the temperature between-6°C and 25°C
If you do not follow the above-mentioned steps, then the shelf-life of AdBlue fluid will reduce and it will last only up to six months.
Is AdBlue flammable?
No, AdBlue isn’t flammable, which is why it is not considered a dangerous liquid. It is nothing but a water-based urea solution and poses little to no harm to people. Although it is not harmful, it is still recommended that you wear gloves to avoid any type of irritation while handling the fluid, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Can AdBlue Freeze?
Yes, AdBlue does freeze, however, the freezing temperature is -11°C, and it won’t start to freeze until -10°C. As the AdBlue tank on maximum automobiles is right next to the exhaust which releases heat, so as long as the engine is working, your vehicle will face no problems with AdBlue fluid. While the vehicles which have the AdBlue tank located some other place usually have a mechanism wherein gets heated up via circulated engine coolant. So, even if the AdBlue fluid freezes, it will de-freeze in no time and your vehicle will run smoothly without any trouble.
Now you know why you need to buy AdBlue fluid because it is eco friendly and is good for your vehicles. It is scientifically tested and some industries have been using it for quite some time and now, it is our turn to use it and make the world a better place to live.
