Latest development project – Dürr Somac prepares for Euro-5
Corrosion and the formation of urine crystals
were challenging aspects of aqueous
urine solution filling.
Stricter vehicle emission regulations will apply as from September 1, 2009. The new standards are challenging - particularly for diesel engines. Manufacturers are looking at the addition of aqueous urea solutions as a way of reducing exhaust emissions. Dürr Somac is currently working on the development of a new filling adapter to handle this corrosive additive.
In order to meet the new European and US exhaust emission regulations many auto manufacturers are opting, in the case of diesel engines, for secondary treatment of exhaust gases using urea diluted with water (AdBlue). In the catalytic converter the ammoniac in the additive that is released by heat reduces nitrogen oxide exhaust gases into harmless nitrogen and steam. The process cuts nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%. To date urea based additives have only been used to reduce harmful emissions from commercial vehicles. The concept is now to be applied to passenger cars as well.
This means adding a tank to hold the urea solution. A special adapter has to be developed that can handle both this more demanding additive and the tank filling operation that will be part of the industrial assembly process. Dürr Somac GmbH is a specialist in the field of filling media and is currently carrying out trials to ensure a suitable filling process for the new additive. The aim is to develop a new adapter that will guarantee a clean and trouble free initial filling process. Materials, like steel, copper and aluminium, are prone to corrosion if they come into contact with AdBlue, oxygen from the air has a crystallizing effect and, as AdBlue freezes at -11°C, heating of the filling system is necessary. The initial filling process at the factory follows a very carefully defined procedure. The correct quantity of urea solution must be added to the tank in just the right time and the adapter must have a sealing system that does not cause overpressure but that prevents unpleasant smells from escaping. Unlike the arrangement for trucks, the AdBlue tank is positioned inside the passenger car, so it is vital that no drips occur.
Dürr Somac expects to be able to offer a solution that fulfils all these requirements within just a few months.
Your contact:
Peter V. Hofmann - peter.v.hofmann(at)durr.com
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