New Technologies To Meet Stricter Regulations
By some measures, Singapore’s air quality is terrible – twice the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guideline limits, according to a report in the Guardian UK on global air pollution. In response, the government in Singapore has introduced the new Euro VI standards which came into effect in September 2017, and with them, petrol vehicles that didn’t meet the standards were dropped from sale.
Euro VI emission standards for diesel vehicles will be mandated from 1 January 2018, and commercial vehicles must comply with Euro VI emission standards in order to be eligible for incentives under the Early Turnover Scheme (ETS).
Euro VI emissions regulations focus on reducing harmful gases being emitted by vehicles, with nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel cars hitting the headlines in particular.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is one of the many technologies developed for vehicle use to ensure that they meet the new Euro VI standards. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), also known as “AdBlue”, is injected into the SCR catalyst to break down soot and unburnt fuel into harmless water and nitrogen.
The name “AdBlue” has been trademarked by Germany’s Association of the Automotive Industry and is a marketing term for DEF. The liquid is 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent deionized water. It is standardised as AUS 32 (aqueous urea solution) in ISO 22241.
If you’re planning to buy a new diesel vehicle, chances are it comes with SCR technology. It won’t be advertised, but many manufacturers give a clue in the name, such as: BlueHDi, BlueTEC and BlueInjection.
Without DEF, most modern diesel-engined vehicles will refuse to start, or will work in a low-power regime called “limp mode.” Drivers will be notified in advance that the DEF level is low and that a refill is required. While manufacturers will gladly refill the DEF tank for you, you can easily do it yourself and save money as well.
Some manufacturers have a special DEF filler nozzle to prevent spills. One example of DEF manufacturers which has a solution is Blue Sky DEF. Their DEF containers feature an exclusive patented nozzle, with a breathing valve that ensures efficient, continuous pour, non-glugging and rapid dispensing. This self venting dispensing spout enables users to have better control and avoid spills when filling their tanks – as some vehicles may have the filler hole located inside the engine bay.
Prime Blue International which manufactures Blue Sky DEF, has a 24-hour, walk-in DEF sales point in Singapore, plus an online shop operated by Best Chemical Co (S) Pte Ltd. For added convenience, Blue Sky DEF is available at Autobacs for those who seek a quick top up.
A vehicle topped up with DEF will be able to operate the after-treatment process, which removes oxides of nitrogen from the engine’s exhaust gases. Tiny quantities of DEF is injected into the exhaust gas flow ahead of the SCR catalyst. The DEF is immediately converted into ammonia on contact with the hot exhaust gas, which is absorbed by the SCR catalyst. Nitrogen Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide in the passing exhaust gas are then selectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapor in a chemical reaction with ammonia.
This technology was first widely used in commercial vehicles almost ten years ago, and it is now becoming more commonplace in countries adopting new air quality standards. To ensure that the SCR system runs correctly, only buy DEF that bears the name AdBlue, manufactured according to the ISO 22241 standard.
SCR systems are very sensitive to impurities and DEF concentration, which is why you should not dilute it. Using a quality product which has been stored with care, and can be dispensed cleanly into your vehicle, will avoid high costs of having to replace a damaged catalytic converter down the road, as contaminated DEF damage will not be covered under warranty. Blue Sky DEF is the only API (American Petroleum Institute) certified Adblue available in Singapore.
Bestchem is the exclusive distributor for Blue Sky DEF and other speciality solvents, chemicals and race fuels in Southeast Asia. For more information of Blue Sky DEF, please visit www.eshop-best-chemical.com
Source: REV Singapore Auto Accessories & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue #86 – December 2017