This week we received a question in our inbox from Gaëtan in Gabon, who wanted to know what AdBlue is. We'll briefly explain what it is, what it's used for, and finally, its benefits for Africa. In 1992, European countries decided to introduce Euro standards, which set maximum limits for polluting particles emitted by vehicles (cars and trucks). A timetable was established, and in 1993, the first European standard, Euro 1, was introduced. Trucks manufactured to this standard had to pollute less to be allowed to circulate within the European Union. AdBlue was introduced in 2006 with the Euro 4 standards.
It is a highly purified liquid which, when used with SCR catalytic reduction systems, neutralizes polluting gases released into the atmosphere. It is primarily composed of demineralized water and urea. Manufacturers are advised that failure to use AdBlue by truck operators will result in a significant loss of power. The evolution of these Euro standards has also led to changes in injection systems. We have thus moved from manual injection systems with pumps, as seen on the Mercedes 2628 or 2629, to electronic injection systems (PLD in Actros, Common Rail with MAN, or Dci with Renault).
Electronic fuel injection is particularly sensitive to poor-quality fuel. The fuel sold in Africa by European multinationals is heavily polluted, reaching up to 5,000 ppm, compared to only 10 ppm sold by the same companies in Europe. The result has been catastrophic in many African countries. Numerous importers of used trucks have paid the price for this inadequacy, especially since our own technicians were unprepared. Since 2008, it has been possible for trucks destined for export to be downgraded from Euro 6, 5, or 4 to the Euro 3 standard. This would eliminate the need for AdBlue, which is not available in Africa, and would reduce the purchase costs of this product, which represent a significant expense for European carriers. This operation, however, has no effect on the sensitivity of the injectors, which continue to fail despite protection by sedimentation filters. Downgrading a truck to Euro 3 is a delicate operation that must be carried out by qualified personnel. At KAS Trucks, our highly qualified team is at your service. If you have any questions, please feel free to send us a message. If you like this article, please like and share it widely. Note: In the attached photos, the blue cap helps you identify the AdBlue tanks.
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