Adblue: The Law And Its Implementation

AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid used to reduce harmful emissions from diesel-powered vehicles. It is a legal requirement for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 7.5 tonnes and diesel engines fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The use of AdBlue became more widespread with the introduction of Euro 6 emission standards in September 2015, which imposed stricter limits on nitrogen oxide emissions. As a result, diesel cars produced from this date onwards are subject to these laws and are typically fitted with AdBlue tanks.

AdBlue and the Euro 6 standard

AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid that helps vehicles meet strict Euro 6 emission regulations. It is commonly found in Euro 6 diesel vehicles registered from September 2015 onwards. The Euro 6 regulation was first introduced in September 2014 and later imposed for all new cars in September 2015.

AdBlue is a non-toxic, non-flammable, odourless, and biodegradable fluid. It is made from a urea and water solution, which is stored in a separate tank within the vehicle. The urea contains ammonia, which reacts with nitrogen oxide (NOx) gas and prevents it from being released into the atmosphere. NOx is linked to a range of respiratory diseases and is subject to strict limits when it comes to modern vehicle emissions and clean air zones.

AdBlue is injected into a modified section of the vehicle's exhaust system, where it creates a chemical reaction, removing the harmful nitrogen-oxide emissions and converting them into harmless water and nitrogen. This process is known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). SCR technology is one of the most effective systems for reducing nitrogen oxide levels in the exhaust fumes outputted by diesel engines. SCR was first applied to automobiles by the Nissan Diesel Corporation in 2004.

AdBlue is a legal requirement for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) above 7.5 tonnes or a diesel engine car that's fitted with SCR. It is also required by all commercial diesel-engine vehicles that weigh above 7.5 tonnes and vehicles manufactured after October 2006 (Euro IV and Euro V).

The typical consumption of AdBlue is around 1 litre every 600 miles, but this can vary depending on the vehicle engine, journey type, environmental conditions, and driving style. AdBlue tanks also vary in size, so you may need to top it up anywhere between 3,000 and 12,000 litres. It is important to note that AdBlue should never be added to the diesel tank as this can break the engine.

If your vehicle's AdBlue levels are low, an alert will appear on the dashboard. If it runs out completely, the car will lose power and reduce its emissions to legal standards. Once the AdBlue tank is replenished, the car will run normally again.

AdBlue's role in reducing harmful emissions

AdBlue is a fluid added to diesel engines to reduce the release of harmful nitrogen oxide gases (NOx) from the exhaust. It is made up of a mixture of urea and deionized water, and it works by turning NOx into harmless nitrogen gas and water vapour. This process is known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).

AdBlue has become a legal requirement for reducing vehicle emissions due to tightening regulations on air quality standards across the world. The transport industry is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment account for almost half of all NOx emissions.

AdBlue was introduced to help diesel vehicles meet Euro 6 emission standards, which launched in September 2015. The regulations put a strict limit on acceptable NOx emissions, and using AdBlue dramatically reduces those emissions. All diesel cars produced from September 2015 are subject to Euro 6 emission laws.

AdBlue is stored in a separate tank and injected into the exhaust stream. It is sprayed into the exhaust gases of the diesel engine, where the heat converts the AdBlue into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia then reacts with the NOx emissions in the SCR catalyst, transforming them into nitrogen and water vapour.

AdBlue helps improve local air quality and minimises health risks associated with breathing polluted air, such as asthma attacks or lung cancer. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it essential for meeting environmental targets set out by international agreements like the Paris Agreement 2015.

AdBlue also offers cost savings for vehicle owners, as engine efficiency increases, resulting in lower fuel consumption. Other advantages include improved performance, extended service intervals, longer component lifespans, and reduced noise levels.

AdBlue's composition

AdBlue is a colourless liquid made from a mixture of high-purity urea (32.5%) and deionised water (67.5%). It is a brand name for a solution of urea and distilled water, added to a diesel car via a filler, usually next to the fuel filler.

Urea is a raw material that occurs naturally in our digestive system. However, AdBlue is a synthetic, highly purified solution. The urea in AdBlue contains ammonia, which is the active ingredient that reacts with nitrogen oxide (NOx) to neutralise it before it enters the atmosphere.

Deionised water is the purest form of water and so contains no harmful chemicals or minerals that could react badly with urea. Tap water, for example, contains lots of minerals and ions that are harmful to the vehicle exhaust treatment system and could result in further damage to your vehicle.

AdBlue is a key component of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, which is one of the most effective systems for reducing the nitrogen oxide levels in the exhaust fumes outputted by diesel engines. Nitrogen oxide is one of the most harmful pollutants emitted by engines, as it reacts with other gases in the atmosphere to form small particles and ozone, which can damage sensitive lung tissue in humans and animals.

AdBlue is added to the exhaust gas after combustion has taken place. It is stored in a dedicated container, separate from the diesel, and added to the outgoing exhaust gas by a dosing control system. This system supplies enough AdBlue to make up 2-6% of the total fuel consumption.

In the SCR catalytic converter, the urea is heated and becomes ammonia, which reacts with the nitrogen oxide in the emissions to convert the pollutants into nitrogen, water, and a small amount of carbon dioxide. These are all elements that are already found in the air we breathe.

AdBlue and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

AdBlue is a brand name for a solution of urea and distilled water, which is added to a diesel vehicle via a filler. It is stored in a separate tank and injected into the vehicle's exhaust system when the engine is running. AdBlue is never added directly to the diesel fuel.

The use of AdBlue is a legal requirement in Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) above 7.5 tonnes or a diesel engine car that's fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). SCR is an advanced active emissions control technology system that reduces tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in newer generation diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. SCR technology is one of the most cost-effective and fuel-efficient technologies available to help virtually eliminate emissions from diesel engines.

The SCR system involves several components packaged together with other parts of the emissions control system. The DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is sprayed onto a special catalyst, which sets off a chemical reaction in the exhaust that converts nitrogen oxides into nitrogen, water, and carbon dioxide. The DEF is composed of 32.5% urea and 67.5% high-quality de-mineralised (de-ionised) water. The urea breaks down into ammonia, which acts as a catalyst, converting the nitrogen oxide into water and nitrogen.

AdBlue is added to the SCR system via a filler, usually located next to the fuel filler. Most AdBlue tanks hold around 10 litres or more. AdBlue is available to purchase at petrol stations and automotive stores, with prices ranging around £20 for 10 litres in the UK.

AdBlue's impact on engine performance

AdBlue is a fluid added to diesel engines to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas. It is injected into the exhaust stream and does not directly affect the fuel consumption of the engine. However, its usage can have a slight impact on fuel consumption in certain cases. For instance, if the AdBlue system malfunctions or the vehicle is driven with low AdBlue levels, the engine may enter a reduced power mode, leading to increased fuel consumption. Therefore, maintaining proper AdBlue levels and ensuring the system is functioning correctly is crucial for optimal engine performance.

AdBlue works through a process called selective catalytic reduction (SCR). It is sprayed into the diesel exhaust, releasing ammonia, which acts as a catalyst. This ammonia triggers a chemical reaction that converts dangerous nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide into harmless nitrogen, water vapour, and CO2. By reducing these harmful emissions, AdBlue improves air quality and mitigates the environmental impact of diesel vehicles.

The use of AdBlue became essential with the introduction of stringent emission standards, such as Euro 6, which imposed strict limits on NOx emissions. All diesel cars produced from September 2015 are subject to these standards. AdBlue is key to helping diesel engines meet these regulations without compromising engine performance.

While AdBlue does not directly enhance engine performance metrics like horsepower or torque, it plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal engine performance over time. By keeping the SCR system functioning effectively, AdBlue ensures the engine operates at its designed performance levels. Additionally, AdBlue helps to extend the lifespan of the engine's exhaust system components, reducing maintenance costs.

In summary, AdBlue's impact on engine performance is indirect but significant. It helps diesel engines meet emission standards, improves fuel efficiency, maintains engine responsiveness, and reduces maintenance costs. Proper usage of AdBlue ensures that diesel engines can perform efficiently while minimising their environmental footprint.

Frequently asked questions