The ongoing hassles of SCR and AdBlue
Most machinery from 2014 onwards will have a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system in place to reduce emissions. This involves the controlled injection of a clear fluid called AdBlue into the exhaust chain. AdBlue fluid initiates a chemical reaction that converts nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water vapour.
In theory, this should all take place without the machinery’s operator noticing. But, unfortunately, AdBlue isn’t that simple. It’s a high maintenance system prone to issues and problems.
Above all else, there’s a lack of understanding about AdBlue, SCR, and what the process actually involves. Research shows that less than a fifth of drivers are aware of AdBlue systems. This is a surprisingly low figure considering all new machinery comes with the system as standard. So what exactly should you be aware of?
Easy to contaminate
Contaminating an AdBlue system doesn’t take much effort. Think about the places you use machinery. Nine times out of ten, they’ll be used on building sites full of dust, dirt, and other messes.
If the fluid itself – or parts of the system like the injector – become contaminated, it becomes a lot less efficient. As a result, your machine may operate slower or produce even worse emissions than one with no emission control at all.
Having to worry about keeping your work site clean and free of contaminants will slow your operations. You find yourself in a constant cycle of cleaning up a mess just to make another one all over again. The jobs that machines do aren’t clean by nature, so it’s inconvenient that they demand little to no mess.
Crystallisation/blockages
Another issue with AdBlue systems is the tendency for their lines to block or break. If any fluid is left stagnant in the system, it can crystallise. Whether it’s in the pump, injector, or lines. If you use any lower-grade versions of AdBlue or your fluid levels run low, you might also get crystallisation and blockages.
Needs to be refilled
If your AdBlue runs out, your machines will enter limp mode or stop working altogether. This might not sound like a massive issue; you just keep on top of refilling the tank, right? But it’s an extra hassle you won’t want to worry about during busy workdays.
If you hire your machinery out, all these issues become more complicated. Your customers are going to want their jobs done. If they hire machinery for a short period of time, they won’t want to waste time trying to reduce contaminants, prevent blockages, or refilling the tank.
If your machines won’t be with you at all times, you can’t guarantee the system will be treated properly. And if it’s not, guess who will face the costly repairs?
Limited markets
These issues are why other countries avoid renting or buying new machinery. In Africa, they can’t deal with AdBlue at all. They don’t have the liquid readily available or the knowledge of how to fix any issues with the system. If you rely on export markets to rent or sell your machinery, you’re limiting yourself by having active AdBlue systems.
Your machinery’s AdBlue systems will reduce productivity and efficiency. Whether it’s your own or any customers you’re renting out to. The systems are prone to contamination, blocking, and running out. You can’t guarantee that you’ll always have the time and effort to properly maintain your system. Or that you’ll only rent out to people who understand and are equipped to deal with AdBlue. Therefore, by keeping AdBlue systems intact you’re always running the risk of machine downtime and costly repairs.
At DPF Doctor, we provide straightforward kits that bypass your AdBlue systems. It’s a simple three plug process that needs no programming or mechanical installation. If you have any questions or want to inquire about a kit, get in touch today.
