What is AdBlue/DEF?
In North America, diesel exhaust fluid is known commonly as DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) and in Europe is it is known as diesel emissions fluid, and marketed as AdBlue.
32,5% UREA solution in water
Non-Toxic
Non-flammable
Odourless
Where can I buy AdBlue/DEF?In Europe there is an infrastructure for AdBlue. An easy way to locate it is via http://www.findadblue.com/ In U.S.A the supply of AdBlue in the normal fuel infrastructure will be built up gradually. Volvo and other truck manufacturers are currently co-operating with producers and distributors of AdBlue, manufacturers of tanker and filling equipment, oil companies, fuel retailers and others to ensure good availability as soon as possible. Until the infrastructure is fully satisfactory, Volvo will, through our dealers, offer a flexible, easy-to-handle and cost-efficient system for AdBlue supply at the customer’s own yard. Through an agreement with the chemical producer Yara International we can arrange filling equipment and continuous supply of AdBlue in quantities suited to each customer’s needs.
What is urea?
Urea is a chemical substance whose base is natural gas. Urea is used today for fertilizers in agriculture as well as in food and make-up. AdBlue/DEF is a liquid solution that consists of urea and water. The urea concentration is about 32%. AdBlue/DEF corresponds to DIN standard 70070.
The chemical process
Adblue: (NH2) 2CO (urea) + H2O (water)
Warm exhaust and water are needed to decompose urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide: (NH2) 2CO + H2O => 2NH3 + CO2
Reduction of nitrogen oxide by ammonia in the presence of oxygen: NOx+NH3+O2 => (catalytic reaction) => N2 + H2O
Is AdBlue/DEF harmful to the environment? Is it dangerous to handle?
AdBlue/DEF is not classified as a dangerous substance or as dangerous cargo during transport. If AdBlue/DEF is spilled by accident, the only environmental impact is that it contributes to eutrophication since AdBlue/DEF is a nutrient. AdBlue/DEF is a low-toxicity substance and has no known chronic health risks. It is not flammable or explosive. There is no risk in case of collision since AdBlue/DEF is a stable solution and not sensitive to thrust.
What does SCR stand for?
Selective Catalytic Reduction
Is there any special service required for an SCR system?
No. Apart from making sure that there is AdBlue/DEF in the tank and changing a filter in the AdBlue/DEF pump every 2000 hours, no special maintenance is required.
What happens in the winter when we have temperatures down to –20 degrees C? Will the AdBlue/DEF liquid freeze?
AdBlue/DEF will freeze at approximately –11 degrees C. Volvo will offer a heating system for the AdBlue/DEF tank as standard. The starting ability will not be affected. What will happen is that the SCR catalyst will be out of function until the tank is heated up, which is taken into account in legislation, so this delay will be within the legal requirements.
What happens if the operator runs out of AdBlue/DEF?
The system is designed so that it monitors AdBlue/DEF level and quality in the tank. If AdBlue/DEF is not present, then there will be warning requiring that the operator fills the AdBlue/DEF tank. If no action is taken, the engine will eventually derate the power output.