Environmental Impact Information

AH14.40-N-0001-01AB Notes on Use, Material Properties and Handling of AdBlue(R)

Term

Adblue(R) is the trade name for the diesel engine NOx reducing agent with the standardized designation ISO 22241.

Tasks of AdBlue(R)

AdBlue� serves to convert nitrogen oxides into water vapor and nitrogen.

Chemical characterization and composition of AdBlue (R)

The urea content is 32.5%. AdBlue(R) consists of urea dissolved in demineralized water. AdBlue(R) is not an additive.

Chemical formula: H2N-CO-NH2
Molecular weight (urea): 60.06 g/mol
CAS (Chemical Abstracts-Service) No.: 57-13-6

Marking

AdBlue(R) dispensers are marked with the standard designation ISO 22241 or with the trade designations AdBlue(R) or Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Transport

In vehicles with BlueTEC technology, AdBlue(R) is carried in a tank.

Physical and chemical properties of AdBlue(R)

Status: liquid
Color: colorless, clear, light yellow
Odor: slight ammonia smell
pH value: 10 (hydrous solution, 10%)
Crystallization temperature: -11°C/12°F
Boiling point: 103°C/217°F
Self ignition temperature: not self igniting
Density: about 1.09 g/cm3 at 20°C/68°F
Viscosity, dynamic: about 1.4 mPas at 25°C/77°F

Handling contaminated operating fluids

It is essential that AdBlue(R) be kept separate from other operating fluids, fuels and lubricants such as coolant, engine oil, transmission oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid and brake fluid and not used in the same containers and collecting pans. The smallest amounts of AdBlue(R) can damage thermostats or temperature sensors.

Operating fluids which contain traces of AdBlue(R) must not be used

Handling contaminated AdBlue(R)

AdBlue(R) must be checked as per the repair instructions before every fill. Individual components of the BlueTEC system already react very sensitively with even the smallest traces of contaminants in AdBlue(R). When handling AdBlue(R) it is important, therefore, to always use clean containers and collecting pans which are only reserved for this purpose. Contaminated AdBlue(R) must not be used again.

Handling contaminated materials

It is essential that AdBlue(R) not come into contact with materials used in the interior of the vehicle. AdBlue(R) exposed to air passes within just a few hours from a liquid state into the crystalline state and can therefore damage and destroy contaminated surfaces. Textiles, e.g. the anti-slip mats, which have been fouled with AdBlue(R) should be cleaned a number of times in rotation and flushed with water.

It must be ensured that there are no further traces of AdBlue(R) in the textiles.

Handling contaminated tools

All tools coming into contact with AdBlue(R) must be thoroughly cleaned with water immediately after use.

Only fully dried measuring instruments and filling tools should be used so as not to dilute the AdBlue(R) concentration.

Protecting vehicle components when working with AdBlue(R)

AdBlue(R) leads to corrosion on electronic components and strong fouling on all other materials. It is therefore necessary to cover up all components in the vicinity over the whole surface with plastic foil when working in circumstances where AdBlue(R) could leak out.

Storage and packaging

Storage at temperatures between 0°C/32°F and 25°C/7 7°F should be secured in order to avoid crystallization occurring in AdBlue(R). To secured in order to avoid crystallization occurring in AdBlue(R). To avoid deterioration in quality due to contamination, AdBlue(R) must only be handled in storage and filling systems intended exclusively for AdBlue(R). Suitable container materials are alloyed steel, various plastics and plastic coatings in metal containers.

Not to be used are unalloyed steel, aluminum, copper, copper-containing alloys and zinc-dipped steel.

Service life and durability

AdBlue(R) breaks downs during storage into ammonium hydroxide and carbon dioxide and then no longer fulfills the requirements of standard ISO 22241.

If the recommended storage temperature of a maximum of 25°C/77°F is maintained, the AdBlue(R) will fulfill the requirements of this standard for at least 18 months after manufacture. If this recommended storage temperature is exceeded then this period is reduced. Duration of storage and the temperatures to be used are given as guideline values at the end of the document. At temperatures under -11°C/12 °F the AdBlue(R) freezes and becomes solid.

On warming up again the frozen AdBlue(R) becomes liquid again and can be reused without any loss of quality.

The maximum permissible service life of AdBlue(R) can be taken from the MB Specifications for Operating Fluids.

Disposal and degradability

Disposal of AdBlue(R):
When disposing of AdBlue(R) the legal requirements of the country in which the AdBlue(R) is used must be observed.

Contaminated packaging/materials:

Packaging which contain residues of AdBlue(R) is to be handled like the substance itself. Packaging should emptied as well as possible; it can then be reused after appropriate cleaning with water.