Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emitted from trucks, buses, and other diesel vehicles have an adverse impact on the global environment and human body and are strictly regulated.
AdBlue high-grade urea solution utilizes a reduction reaction caused by ammonia when urea solution is injected into diesel exhaust to break down and detoxify NOx. Itochu Enex has captured market share in Japan of approximately 20% by establishing AdBlue delivery bases nationwide and ensuring reliable supply to customers.

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution - The Key to Satisfying Diesel Vehicle Exhaust Regulations

In Japan, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emitted from diesel vehicles are covered by strict emissions regulations that conform to the highest international standards. These pollutants are regulated under the New Long-Term Regulations (effective from October 2005) and the Post New Long-Term Regulations (effective from October 2009) established to protect the global environment and people's health.

Reduction of NOx emissions and reduction of PM emissions are contradictory objectives. One method conceived for resolving the contradiction was to reduce PM inside the engine and reduce NOx by treating engine exhaust. This is called a urea Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.

The injection of urea solution into exhaust utilizes a reduction reaction caused by ammonia to break down NOx into non-toxic nitrogen and water. The introduction of a urea SCR system not only makes it possible to meet or exceed strict regulatory standard values, it can also be expected to improve fuel consumption compared to other exhaust control technologies and places a low burden on engines. For these reasons, these systems have been adopted by truck and bus manufacturers and have become prevalent as an exhaust control measure not only in Japan, but also in Europe and North America, where the proportion of diesel vehicles is high.

The urea solution used by these systems must conform to extremely high specifications with respect to system protection and performance assurance. Products recognized by the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) of Germany as meeting the required specifications are allowed to carry the AdBlue trademark.
(AdBlue is a registered trademark of Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) of Germany.)

The use of the trademark AdBlue is a guarantee of high-grade urea solution. AdBlue is a trademark used worldwide, and automakers in Europe, North America, and Japan specify and recommend the use of AdBlue in Urea SCR systems.

Itochu Enex sells AdBlue as one of many initiatives to solve environmental problems.

Background to the Introduction of Urea SCR Systems

The Ministry of the Environment of Japan is strengthening regulations on vehicle exhaust, a source of air pollution, in stages. The tightening of exhaust regulations is being undertaken as an important environmental priority not only in Japan but also in the developed countries of Europe and North America.

The following are some issues concerning extremely stringent diesel vehicle exhaust regulations:

• The trade-off relationship between NOx and PM (when one decreases, the other increases.)
• Deterioration of fuel economy
• Increase in initial vehicle cost

An idea conceived to satisfactorily resolve these issues is the concurrent use of ultra-high pressure fuel injection and a urea SCR system.

Overview of a Urea SCR System

Urea SCR systems are a technology developed with a view to conformance with the New Long-Term Regulations and Post New Long-Term Regulations.

Ordinarily, PM emissions increase due to incomplete combustion. By contrast, NOx emissions increase due to high-temperature combustion.
A two-stage solution has been devised to the problem of achieving the contradictory objectives of reducing both pollutants:

1. Reduce PM emissions (and simultaneously improve fuel economy) by means of high-temperature, high-pressure combustion of fuel inside the engine.
2. Break down NOx into nitrogen and water by injecting urea solution into the engine exhaust and utilizing a reduction reaction.

A two-stage solution has been devised to remedy the problem of achieving the above.

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution Physical Properties and Pot Life

AdBlue is not designated as a hazardous substance or toxic substance. But since it is subject to the Water Pollution Control Act and related regulations, disposal of empty containers should be appropriately handled by an industrial waste disposal contractor licensed by the prefectural governor.

Physical Properties

• Urea: 32.5 wt%
• Colorless, odorless, non-toxic
• Not designated as a hazardous substance or toxic substance
• Urea is used in applications including cosmetics (as a moisturizing agent), pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers
• Automotive urea solution is controlled under the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO)

Long-term storage is possible in well-ventilated locations away from direct sunlight.

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution Packaging

Four types of containers are available according to customer conditions of use and preferences.

As a general rule, we recommend 1m³ containers for customers who expect to use 300 liters or more per month. (Since this packaging entails no container waste, it offers excellent environmental and cost performance.)

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution Manufacturing and Transport

AdBlue is manufactured by a number of companies, including Nippon Kasei Chemical, Mitsui Chemicals, and Nissan Chemical. Itochu Enex considers the optimal mix of manufacturing and distribution with the aim of ensuring optimized, reliable supply to customers. To that end, we have established distribution sites (service points or "SPs") in locations across Japan from which we supply customers.

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution Supply System (1) – Delivery by Dedicated Tanker Trucks

• *Containers are continuously used and are not disposable items.
• *Purchasing only product and not containers is economical for customers.

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution Supply System (2) - Delivery by Regular Delivery Trucks

Containers

We deliver filled containers.
Customers install the containers themselves. (A forklift is required.)
Empty containers are collected by separate truck.

Drums

Drums are used when space at the site is limited or no forklift is available.
*Please inquiry separately about collection of empty drums. As a rule, small-lot collection is not available. (Collection of 10 or more drums is possible.)

BIB (10-liter, 20-liter), Poly Containers (5-liter)

This packaging option is for customers who use small quantities.
*Empty container collection is not available. Customers are requested to arrange for appropriate disposal of empty containers as industrial waste.

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution Supply System (3) - Customer Pick-Up

Customer pick-up at SPs is available. (Some SPs do not offer customer pick-up. Please inquire for details.) Product is provided in 1m³ (1kl) containers for transport by customers using their own vehicles.

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution Filling Tools

Dedicated nozzles are available for BIB (10-liter, 20-liter) and poly drums (20-liter). A variety of tools are available for filling 1m³ (1kl) containers and drums.

We offer suggestions for appropriate filling tools according to frequency and circumstances of use. Please inquire for details.

AdBlue High-Grade Urea Solution Filling Tools for High-Volume Users

High-capacity dispensers are available for high-volume users.

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