Repsol YPF

Blue+ is a new product that many heavy diesel trucks and buses need in Europe to eliminate nitrogen oxides from the gases that they emit. It is a clean, non-toxic solution that can be handled safely and does not harm the environment. AdBlue® is stored in a separate tank next to the diesel fuel tank, but it is not added to the diesel fuel. Since October 2006, most big truck and bus manufacturers in Europe have models that require Blue+

Blue+ quality is an important factor and it is controlled by DIN Standard 70070.

Why should I use Blue+?

Blue+ is used in an advanced pollution control system that is installed in the exhaust pipe. The system is called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). The SCR systems make Blue+ react with the harmful NOx gases in the exhaust pipe, converting it into water and nitrogen, which are completely harmless. NOx is the abbreviation of nitrogen oxides. NOx is produced during the combustion process in diesel engines. It is one of the principal components of atmospheric pollution.

It is important to always check that there is a suitable amount of Blue+ in the tank. If a truck or bus with an SCR system is in use without Blue+, there is a risk that the sophisticated SCR equipment could get damaged. There is also a risk that emissions do not comply with the legal requirements.

What is Euro 4 and 5?

Euro 4 is a new norm in Europe that limits the quantity of harmful pollutants produced by commercial vehicles. It came into force in October 2006.

Euro 5 is the next, more restrictive norm. It will be implemented completely in October 2009.

How much Blue+ will I use?

Generally, consumption of Blue+ will be about 5% of the diesel consumption. This percentage depends on if the terrain is mountainous or not and on the type of driving. For example, highway driving will consume 1.5 litres every 100 km.

Note: Consumption data is estimated. Nevertheless, consult with the manufacturer of the vehicle.

What is Blue+ made of?

Blue+ is made of a chemical product called urea (also called carbamide) dissolved in pure water. Urea is a synthetic product made from natural gas. It is used in chemical fertilizers, in plastic and in cosmetics.

Do extreme weather conditions effect Blue+?

Blue+ can be in use in almost all the possible weather conditions in Europe. Nevertheless, in cases of extreme cold, if the temperature of Blue+ goes below -11 °C, it freezes. Because of this, Blue+ supply points in Nordic countries and in other cold zones will have heating to withstand the winter conditions. In addition, some SCR trucks will have built-in systems of heating that will allow the SCR system to function stably even in the coldest conditions.

When Blue+ freezes, it is not damaged at all and can be used as soon as it returns to its liquid state.

What happens if poor quality Blue+ is added to an SCR truck?

The Quality of Blue+ is critical. If it is not top quality, the catalytic converter of the vehicle might be damaged or obstructed.

The Blue+ that Repsol offers follows a complex quality control system. It is necessary to indicate that it guarantees the fulfilment of all safety regulations.