Today we will tell you about AdBlue, a chemical additive to optimize diesel engines, the highly purified urea-based solution used as an additive to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions produced by diesel engines in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks.
AdBlue is used in conjunction with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system found in trucks to convert NOx into harmless nitrogen and water. During the selective catalytic reduction process, AdBlue is injected into the diesel engine exhaust and decomposes into ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which react with NOx to form nitrogen and water.
The SCR system and the use of AdBlue have become mandatory for heavy vehicles in Europe since 2006, in response to European air pollution regulations. The use of AdBlue enables trucks to reduce NOx emissions by up to 90 percent and meet European exhaust emission regulations.
In recent years, environmental sustainability has become an increasingly important issue for the transportation sector. Trucking in particular has come under scrutiny because of its high emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, so let’s find out how it works and what the price is.
What is AdBlue and how does it work?
AdBlue is a highly purified urea solution that is used as an additive in heavy vehicles equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The SCR system converts nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced by the diesel engine to nitrogen and water, thereby reducing emissions of air pollutants. AdBlue is injected into the SCR system, where it decomposes into ammonia and carbon dioxide. These compounds react with NOx to form nitrogen and water.
The SCR system and the use of AdBlue have become mandatory for heavy vehicles in Europe since 2006, in response to European air pollution regulations.
The AdBlue warning light, AdBlue supplies and prices
The use of AdBlue requires some care on the part of the truck driver. In fact, SCR-equipped trucks have an AdBlue indicator light that shows the level of AdBlue in the tank. When the AdBlue level is too low, the indicator light will come on and the driver must refuel.
AdBlue is usually refilled at gas stations. Generally, the cost of AdBlue is slightly higher than that of diesel, but the price may vary depending on your market and region.
It is often a trivial cost compared to the long-term savings that can be achieved through emission reductions and avoided penalties. In addition, many transportation companies are implementing strategies to reduce AdBlue consumption, such as through driver training and regular vehicle maintenance or the use of electric vehicles.
Virdò trucking for your logistics
The use of AdBlue is helping to make trucking more sustainable and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants although it does require some attention from drivers and a slightly higher cost than diesel, the price of AdBlue is often derisory compared to the savings to how good it is for the atmosphere. We all have a responsibility to make our planet a more livable and green place by reducing emissions and respecting nature.
Discover the safety and sustainability of our fleet of vehicles, rely on Autotrasporti Virdò for your environmentally friendly logistics.
