AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Information
Introduction
Diesel engines are now required to meet tough NOx standards to help control air pollution. The preferred method involves injecting a high purity fluid called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (Adblue) into the exhaust system.
Nitrogen oxides are present in vehicle exhaust and react with sunlight and other compounds to form smog.
AdBlue is a solution consisting of high purity urea (typically crystalline) dissolved and suspended within de-ionised water. The ratio of the mix is approximately 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionised water.
AdBlue is used by modern diesel engines which use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to control NOx emissions. SCR has been sucessfully used in Europe for several years. The solution is known as Adblue in Europe and DEF in North America. Most new diesel vehicles will adopt the SCR technology.
AdBlue never comes into contact with the fuel. AdBlue is carried onboard the vehicle in a separate vessel to the fuel storage tank. It is injected into the exhaust gases as a post combustion process through an SCR where it breaks harmful NOx (Nitrous Oxide) emissions down into mostly Nitrogen and Oxygen.
The use of AdBlue benefits everyone - it helps the environment by reducing the number of harmful emissions created by diesel engines and it helps fleet operators and drivers reduce fuel costs
How SCR Works
The AdBlue is injected as a fine mist into the exhaust stream where a chemical reaction takes place in the presence of a catalytic converter to convert the nitrogen oxides to inert nitrogen gas (air contains 78% nitrogen).
The AdBlue is carried in a storage tank on the vehicle. The capacity of the tank will vary depending upon the type of vehicle but will typically range from six to 20+ gallons. This AdBlue tank is separate from the vehicle's fuel tank, but like fuel, will also need to be refilled periodically. The vehicle will use 2 gallons of AdBlue for every 100 gallons of diesel fuel.
The SCR system design ensures vehicle operators will continue to use Diesel Exhaust Fluid . If they don't refill the AdBlue storage tank, an electronic control system will automatically make a significant reduction in engine power. This means AdBlue must be available nationwide. Large networks of AdBlue (DEF) dispensing outlets are currently being established.
AdBlue Pump Systems
To fill the vehicle's AdBlue storage tank, a pump is required. In addition, it is critical that the high purity of the AdBlue be maintained, so all components exposed to AdBlue must be manufactured from specific, corrosion resistant materials.
AdBlue is very susceptible to contamination from both foreign matter and incorrect material selection. It is imperative that this is considered when deciding which dispensing solution is best for your application. Particulate ingress is an obvious problem for any transfer application but less evident problems are often overlooked.
Finish Thompson pumps (both mag drives and drum pumps) manufactured from inert, corrosion resistant materials ensure delivery of the highest quality product without fear of contamination. The pumps have been extensively tested and are approved for use with Adblue.
FTI has the products to pump AdBlue from a variety of container sizes and types, including 55 gallon drums and totes as well as larger bulk type tanks.
Virtually all FTI products are suitable for AdBlue service. The main products though are EFP and PFM drum pumps and DB/SP mag drive pumps
'Open Solution' Containers
EFP and PFM products are used for 'Open Solution' containers. 'Open solutions' containers are drums, IBC's with a standard bung opening. This means that a standard drum pump can be used.
EF Series
Economical 5 GPM Solution
- Economical choice
- Available with two speed electric or air motor
- Ideal alternative to slow, troublesome hand pump
PFM Series
High performance 10 GPM Solution
- Rugged industrial quality
- Available with variable speed 115 V electric or air motor
- Produces higher flows and higher pressures
'Closed Solution' Containers
'Closed Solution' containers can incorporate a special valve and a tube reaching to the bottom of the container or may feature a bottom outlet with valve. This prevents drum pumps from being used as a solution. 'Closed Solution' containers require the use of a self-priming pump or a mag-drive centrifugal pump.
FTI SP Series self-priming pumps and DB Series mag-drive centrifugal pumps are ideal for transferring large volumes of Ad-Blue. For more information on 'Closed Container' options please contact us.
DB Series
SP Series