Adblue®: Reducing NOx emissions
What is AdBlue®?
AdBlue® is a liquid for diesel vehicles that helps to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. It is an aqueous solutions composed of 32.5% urea and 67.5% demineralised water, in accordance with the ISA 22241 standard. It is used in diesel cars, light commercial vehicles and HGVs, buses and coaches equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology.
AdBlue® is classified as a non-hazardous product. It is biodegradable, water soluble and colourless. AdBlue® is a premium product that ensures a smooth-running SCR system in any make of vehicle, thus helping to reduce tailpipe emissions.
The ultimate guide to AdBlue® – all your questions answered
AdBlue® is a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) used by heavy-duty and passenger vehicle engines to reduce Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. NOx is harmful to human health and the environment, which is why many diesel vehicles are required by law to use AdBlue®.
Learn more about AdBlue®, including its how it works, whether your vehicle requires it, its consumption, composition, toxicity, effectiveness at reducing emissions, plus much more. Explore our all-encompassing, common-sense guide below.
How to check, refill and remove AdBlue®
If you’re a diesel owner, being able to check your AdBlue® level, refill your tank and remove excess AdBlue® can be useful, helping you save on maintenance costs, avoid problems when topping up and keep your vehicle’s selective catalytic reaction (SCR) system in safe and efficient condition.
In our guide, receive step-by-step instructions on how to check, refill and remove AdBlue® from your vehicle, plus answers to consumption-related topics including how much your car needs, what AdBlue® range means and what exactly happens if your car runs out of AdBlue®.
How to check, refill and remove AdBlue®
How to solve problems with AdBlue®
AdBlue® is used to protect people and the planet from harmful NOx emissions, but if used incorrectly, it can damage vehicles – sometimes irreparably – necessitating costly and time-consuming repairs.
To make sure you don’t cause damage to your diesel vehicle, we’ve created a guide to solving problems with AdBlue®. In it, you’ll find information on what to do if you put AdBlue® in your fuel tank, how to properly clean AdBlue® spillages, what to do if you run out of AdBlue® and what you need to do if you have used water instead of AdBlue®. Explore the guide below.
How to solve problems with AdBlue®
Why is AdBlue® more important than ever?
If you drive a diesel or operate a fleet, chances are you have started using and hearing more about AdBlue® over the past few years. The DEF is becoming ever more important as new emissions tests, environmental legislation and Clean Air Zones come into effect. Keeping abreast of these changes is key – not using AdBlue® correctly can lead to fines and the withdrawal of operating licenses.
Why choose AdBlue® from TotalEnergies?
AdBlue® is available from TotalEnergies in bulk, IBC, barrel and small packs for commercial vehicles. It is used to bring vehicles into line with the European Union’s Euro VI emission standard.
AdBlue® from TotalEnergies meets the latest lorry, truck and HGV manufacturer specifications, who have designed more advanced exhaust systems in recent years. Their selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology is designed to treat commercial vehicle exhaust gases, using s AdBlue® to convert nitrogen oxides into water vapour and nitrogen.
Please contact our team to discuss your commercial fleet’s AdBlue® needs.
Key AdBlue® features and benefits
- Full compliance – with Euro VI emissions standards
- Biodegradable – non-hazardous product
- One solution – for all vehicle makes
Storage and handling
- Store AdBlue® away from the light.
- When exposed to temperatures above 30°C, AdBlue® will degrade.
- AdBlue® freezes at -11°C. The automatic warming system of the vehicle will liquify frozen AdBlue® within 20 minutes after engine start. During this time, the vehicle can be operated normally.
- If AdBlue® is stored outside the vehicle’s tank, gently thaw it.
- Keep all AdBlue® equipment clean, stored away from dust and dirt.
- The shelf life of AdBlue® is a minimum of 12 months if it is stored at a temperature below 30°C.
- Only use AdBlue® delivered in dedicated and sealed AdBlue® packaging.
- AdBlue® is classified as non-hazardous: in case of contact with skin or clothes, rinse with water.
- AdBlue® can have a corrosive action on certain metals so in case of a spillage, quickly and thoroughly wash with water.
- Do not use equipment (such as canisters) that are used for other liquids to refill or store AdBlue®.
- Always tightly close AdBlue® tanks and canisters after refill.
HOW DO I USE ADBLUE® ?
It’s added to the engine via a separate filler cap, which is often next to the fuel cap. About 3L of AdBlue® are consumed per 100L of fuel. As well as trucks, busses and other commercial vehicles all use AdBlue®, as well as some cars.
What is TotalEnergies Clearnox?
Clearnox is a revolutionary technology for fleets including buses, coaches and HGVs. To meet the increasing demands of the fleet market, the additive Clearnox, dissolved in AdBlue®, cleans SCR denox systems to improve its properties in frequent-stop and cold-climate conditions.
Clearnox prolongs the life of diesel fleets and dramatically reduces exhaust clogging due to crystallisation deposits. Tests have shown that vehicles using Clearnox can drive for 50,000 kilometres without any clogging issues, and our estimations show that these sorts of vehicles experience exhaust clogging issues up to 40% of the time.
Due to Clearnox’s preventative effect, there is a reduced requirement for maintenance of the SCR system too, reducing costs.
Learn more about how TotalEnergies AdBlue® and Clearnox can improve your fleet emissions and lower maintenance costs today.