Can you make AdBlue® yourself?
Publié le 31 March 2021. Edité le 25 June 2021.
Used by vehicles fitted with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology, AdBlue® is an aqueous solution for converting most of the nitrogen oxides into water vapour and harmless nitrogen. Can you make AdBlue® yourself?
Making AdBlue® yourself: standards which cannot be met
AdBlue® is a chemical solution of high purity which meets the physico-chemical specifications and characteristics described in standard ISO 22241, a guarantee of quality. This aqueous solution is made up of 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% demineralised water. It can only be produced industrially. Making AdBlue® yourself may have adverse repercussions on your vehicle.
There are two ways of making AdBlue®:
- the first involves dissolving granules of solid urea, called prills in demineralised water;
- the second involves mixing synthetic urea with demineralised water.
Did you know?
The AdBlue® trademark is registered by the German Automobile Industry Association (VDA).
More details of standard ISO 22241 testifying to the quality of AdBlue®
Standard ISO 22241 guarantees the quality of AdBlue® at all levels of its design and production though to its delivery. Inspecting the manufacture of this aqueous solution is necessary in order to design a quality product which is accurately dosed. It also enables any impurities present in the liquid to be measured precisely.
Standard ISO 22241 is divided into four sections:
- ISO 22241-1: defines the quality requirements of the product.
- ISO 22241-2: covers the methods to be applied during testing.
- ISO 22241-3: controls the handling, transportation and storage of AdBlue®.
- ISO 22241-4: defines the filling interface.
It is therefore impossible to obtain top-quality AdBlue® which meets the standards mentioned above by manufacturing it at home.
Using poor quality AdBlue® may lead to costly repairs. The manufacturer’s warranty for the vehicle does not cover costs incurred if it turns out that damage caused to the catalytic converter is due to the use of AdBlue® which does not comply with the standard.
To avoid any risk, only use AdBlue® which has been manufactured industrially and to the standard. Your vehicle will thank you.
> See also: What are the Euro standards for vehicles?
