AdBlue News

Fuel efficiency standard lead to lower global oil prices

2009-04-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

A new study commissioned by the European Federation for Transport and the Environment has suggested that current thinking about the fuel consumption of vehicles has left out an important element. Specifically the impact of fuel efficiency standards on the price of oil. The report could change the way governments, politicians and the EU views the pricing of transport.

The report, published by the energy consultancy Enerdata, suggests that the European fuel efficiency standards for new vehicles (effective 2012) will lead to lower global oil prices. The report proposes that for every 1% reduction in global oil consumption, the price of oil actually drops by up to 2%.

How this differs from current thinking is that economic assessments of energy efficiency measures normally use fixed oil prices when accounting for economic benefits. By working out that the price of oil will fall when the EU’s mandatory fuel consumption legislation takes effect, it means the economic benefits of fuel efficiency measures have been underestimated, typically by up to 17%.

Managing Director of Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd, Mr Robin Futcher commented, “whilst everyone welcomes any form of saving with regards to fuel expenses, both the government and the industry need to observe the need to remain as fuel efficient as possible,” he continued, “It is in everyone’s interest to operate more efficiently. Hopefully in the future governments will reward fuel efficiency rather than simply impose increased fuel taxes in an effort to reduce consumption. We need to see more incentives and less penalties, it is easy to respond negatively to changes of this nature but I think everyone would react differently if they could see something worthwhile in it for them.”

more information is available from Enerdata http://www.enerdata.fr/enerdatauk/

Elaflex appoint OPW to distribute AdBlue Nozzle

2009-04-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Elaflex GmbH based in Hamburg Germany have reached an agreement with OPW Fuelling components to distribute their market leading ZVA AdBlue nozzle.

The nozzle features a unique shut off feature which prevents the diesel tank from being cross filled with DEF (diesel emissions fluid).

Rahul Deshmukh, General Manager of OPW commented “This is a perfectly synergistic relationship for us,” he continued, “OPW Fueling Components is the market leader and has the strongest channel in the United States and Canada, while ELAFLEX nozzles are the de facto standard for DEF users in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) countries. This agreement gives OPW the ability to bring a world-class technology to its U.S. and Canadian channel partners and end-users, while also allowing us to leverage ELAFLEX’s strong relationships with DEF truck and OEM manufacturers in the EMEA.”

Customers should be aware however that the nozzle requires a special filler neck to be fitted to the AdBlue tank on board the vehicle to ensure correct operation.

The ZVA AdBlue nozzle is available to buy across Europe and in the UK from several outlets including, Air1, Centre Tank Services Ltd, Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd and Elaflex UK Ltd. Models are also available suitable for fuel transfer

More details can be found on the product here: http://handling-adblue.co.uk/equipment/nozzles.htm

Euro 6 Deadline Called Forward

2009-03-24T00:28:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, the European Parliament casted a vote challenging whether the revised Euro 6 standard should be implemented ahead of schedule. Previously this deadline for compliance had been pushed back to accommodate global economic changes.

The turnaround means that vehicle manufacturers will now need to comply before the end of 2012. At present the only way to meet the Euro 6 emission standards (80% reduction in NOx to 0.4 g/kWh) is by adopting SCR (AdBlue) technology, a devastating blow to firms who have previously backed rival EGR technology.

Even pro-EGR manufacturers like MAN have had to revise policy statements and admit that in order to reach to Euro 6 standards a small SCR unit will be required on all HGV vehicles.

Gunter Verheugen, the European Commission Vice President, welcomed the change, "Today's agreement of the European Parliament is a good message for the environment. Soon we will have cleaner trucks and buses, which will be trend-setters worldwide."

California to vote on diesel engine exhaust retrofits

2008-12-04T03:45:00.001-08:00

On December 11th California will be voting on bringing in new regulations to phase in diesel engine exhaust retrofits for 2010 followed by engine replacement in 2012.

In a move to reduce engine emissions, any truck that operates within the state borders and weighs over 14,000 lbs/6,350 kgs will be required to have particulate filters fitted. Fleets with 3 or less trucks will be exempt from the regulations until 2012 when the phase in plan will require at least one of the trucks to be newer than 2004 or have an exhaust retrofit.

The exhaust retrofit particulate filers are expected to cost firms $10,000 to $12,000 each (roughly £6,700 to £8,000). Penalties for non-compliance will be $1,000 to $10,000 per day.

New SCR Urea Sensor

2008-12-03T03:42:00.000-08:00

Mitsui Mining & Smelting and Gentech are joining forces to produce an SCR Urea sensor that will detect urea concentration and an in-tank level indicator.

Mitsui will incorporate their Senfoa® urea quality sensor with Gentech’s integrated fluid level sensor to produce the sensor which will improve safety and prevent accidental misuse.

Handheld AdBlue Concentration Testing

2008-11-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

A new sensor has been developed for testing concentrations of urea in AdBlue, although the quality of AdBlue (consisting of 32% urea in deionised water) should be correct when leaving the production facility things can go wrong before it ends up in the vehicle tank, sometimes with disastrous results for the SCR. This simple testing device would eliminate that and could potentially save firms thousands of pounds if levels were incorrect.

The Japanese manufactured digital refractometer measures the Urea concentration within 3 seconds and has a measuring range of 0.0~40.0% Urea and within ±0.2% accuracy.

The size of a small mobile phone the instrument is sturdy and water resistant (IP65), the simple operation makes it very suitable for use in the field.

The AdBlue refractometer is available from Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd, more information on how the sensor can save your fleet money is available from www.adblueonline.co.uk

The Show must go on!

2008-11-25T07:47:00.001-08:00

Despite eight of the major manufacturers pulling out of next year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, organisers have assured the show will go on and be a success.

Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volvo, Scania, Isuzu and DAF have all announced that they will not be exhibiting at the show next year. DAF trucks have also pulled out of the European Road Transport Show in Amsterdam next year.

London’s Low Emission Zone Catching On

2008-11-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) began in February 2008 with phase one coming into effect, this was for standard Euro 3 for particulate matters, with lorries between 3.5 and 12 tonnes, buses and coaches having to comply. Phase two is due to follow in October 2010 with larger vans and minibuses coming in under the same controls and from January 2012 Euro 4 for PM comes into effect.

With the scheme proving a success other local authorities are now considering following suit. Norwich has already implemented a similar venture with buses and coaches however because of the success of London’s scheme they are considering extending it to trucks as well.

Others areas looking into the possibility of introducing schemes are Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Leeds, Derby, Oxford, Bristol and Glasgow.

As the scheme potentially widens some people are voicing their concerns over the cost implications forced upon hauliers who have to buy costly retrofit devices to comply. For more information visit www.lowemissionzones.eu where you can find which areas/cities are currently running such schemes and guides to having cleaner engines.

Yara increases storage capacity at their Sluiskil depot

2008-11-07T03:28:00.001-08:00

In a move that will establish them more in the industry Yara have increased the storage capacity at their Dutch production plant from 5 million to 7 million litres.

Air1 AdBlue is already known as the best brand available and is renowned for its quality, this increase in capacity will secure this position as the demand for AdBlue continues to grow.

Air1 Sales Manager (BeNeLux) Caroline de Jonge quotes:

“The market faced tremendous development over the last few years and nobody knew which position the product AdBlue would achieve. SCR technology has been established as standard equipment in transport vehicles over the last 2 years and now it is difficult to imagine a transport sector without AdBlue. As such, limited supply and availability has become extremely important. The entire Air1 team from production through to sales has this in mind.”

“The takeover of Dureal and the price fluctuations on the market have been difficult over recent months. With good support, communication, understanding and “goodwill” of our customers we succeeded in managing as a team.”

“I have full confidence in our motivated team to continue our good service and with the increase in storage capacity, we are well prepared for the further growth of the AdBlue market.”

AdBlue and SCR come of age

2008-11-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

SCR technology which relies on Adblue to cleanse harmful exhaust gas emissions is now the clear system of choice for trucks and buses, according to leading AdBlue supplier GreenChem.

Speaking on the eve of the important IAA Commercial Vehicle Exhibition in Hanover today, GreenChem Founder and Managing Director Teun de Bruijn said: “In the face of dramatically increasing fuel prices, consumption tests at Euro 5 which demonstrate SCR’s superiority over the rival EGR system and Cummins’ decision to opt for SCR in the US market because of fuel consumption and cost concerns, mean that SCR is firmly established and here to stay”.

He added: “Now even the car makers are incorporating SCR into their future engine strategies because of the need to achieve lower emissions limits but not increase fuel consumption in the process”.

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2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show - Hannover

2008-10-08T05:48:00.001-07:00

Now that the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle show has drawn to an end the attendance figures themselves indicate the huge success.

With almost 300,000 visitors from 110 countries and over 2000 exhibitors the show exceeded all previous years records.

To find out more visit: www.iaa.de

America ramp up AdBlue availability

2008-10-03T01:27:00.001-07:00

Pilot Travel Centers, the largest garage forecourt in the US, are the first to announce Stateside that they will be carrying AdBlue “at the pump” for SCR equipped trucks.

The company plan to have AdBlue readily available on the forecourt, at more than 100 of their outlets by mid to end of 2009. In addition to the “at the pump” availability the outlets will also carry pre-packaged quantities of AdBlue.

They hope this will maximize affordability and convenience for truckers meeting 2010 emissions standards. Almost all of new heavy-duty vehicles in production today are being equipped with SCR technology to comply with future standards.

SCR Technology

2008-09-29T02:12:00.001-07:00

Reports show that diesel vehicles account for more than 40% of new vehicles in Europe today, they also show that vehicles’ being equipped with SCR technology is growing at an incredible pace – latest figures indicate by an average of 25,000 per month.
In just two short years between 2006 and 2008, the industry grew from 30,000 vehicles to more than 500,000 heavy duty SCR equipped trucks. This rate is continuing to climb as more and more companies can see the benefits and are upgrading their fleets.
According to data from Integer-Research demand for AdBlue has increased from 55,000 tons in 2006 to over 415,000 tons in 2007 and usage continues to rise.

Costly Error for Northern Haulier

2008-09-25T07:36:00.001-07:00

Recently a company (who wishes to remain anonymous) based in Crewe found themselves with a costly bill when they discovered that their new Renault Magnum’s NOx reduction system had become polluted.

The problem was first noticed when the operator called in to report the truck was operating at reduced RPM, after a lengthily visit to the local distributorship it was discovered that the cause of the problem was emulsified injector lines.

Further to receiving a bill exceeding £3500 and being advised that the failed SCR injector had been polluted with oil, the company director set off on a mission to find the source of the trouble before further trucks fell victim to the same problem.

The following investigation identified that the problem was caused by an operator using a non-dedicated container to transfer AdBlue from the IBC to the vehicle.

The operator admitted to using a jug which had previously been used to top up engine oil and antifreeze and despite receiving a ‘quick rinse’ had led to contamination of the lines. Fortunately, the new magnum was the only truck to have received AdBlue from this container.

To confirm, AdBlue is highly susceptible to contamination and as little as 10ml of Oil present in a 70 litre fill can corrupt the system causing irreversible damage.

For more information on how to protect your AdBlue from contamination and increase the lifespan of your SCR, visit: www.handling-adblue.co.uk

Amended Euro V limits for NOx

2008-09-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

Euro V due to become effective next year will require manufacturers to meet lower NOx emission standards than the current Euro IV standard.

With new limits specified at 80% lower than the current requirement pressure has been applied to the European Parliament, who’s Environmental Committee is backing new proposals to amend the target rate from 0.4 to 0.5g/kWh.

Additionally the same committee members are hoping to move the next tier of the standard (Euro VI) back from April 2013 to January 2014.

As with current standards, vehicle manufacturers are required to produce compliant vehicles at least one year prior to the effective date to ensure availability.

Manufacturers using SCR to meet Euro V include: Scania, Renault, DAF, Mercedes, Volvo & Iveco.

New Higher Ratio Set for Ultra AdBlue ?

2008-09-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

In order to combat the ultra low limits for NOx as defined within the USA’s impending EPA2010 legislation, a Urea solution with a higher concentration is currently being tested.

Various US based offices of Volvo and Mercedes are running trials with the new mixture which incorporates a 40:60 ratio of Urea to De-ionised water

It is believed that the 40% Urea solution (which is 25% higher than the European standard for AdBlue) is needed to ensure that the SCR remains efficient whilst reaching the 0.27g/kWh as specified within the forthcoming stateside environmental legislation.

With limits for Euro V coming under review, it has been speculated that a new Ultra-AdBlue Solution may be required in the near future leading to a new ISO set of standards.

Urea Reaches Record High

2008-08-05T07:58:00.001-07:00

With the price of urea already rising to record highs, AdBlue has now followed suit. These hikes are partly down to the ever increasing diesel prices which in turn have affected the cost of transporting AdBlue to its destination. Reports speculate that prices have raised on average 6 or 7 pence in Europe since January of this year.

GreenChem Increase Production

2008-07-22T02:12:00.000-07:00

Greenchem are proposing to increase their production of AdBlue in the UK by over 300%.

The plant based near Manchester is operated by Multisol. Multisol have plans to expand their operations in the UK and hope to soon be operating from a further two locations before the end of the year.

Chris Haynes, managing director of GreenChem UK, said: "We are working with our supplier Multisol to create a network of production plants, giving a good spread of distribution opportunities throughout the country."

New AdBlue Storage Tank Available

2008-07-21T02:14:00.000-07:00

A new smaller bulk AdBlue storage facility is now available from Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd.

The new addition to the stock range was developed to address market demands for a smaller bulk storage facility. The new 2500L bunded AdBlue storage tank allows smaller fleet operators the possibility to purchase AdBlue at heavily discounted prices (almost half the price compared to that of buying in 210L drums).

The fully bunded tank features a tidy little footprint of only 1430mm wide and 2460mm long and is fully equipped with all the necessary equipment including:

230v AC Stainless Steel Transfer Pump
Electronic Flow Meter, Accurate to +/- 1%
4m Peroxide Cured Delivery Hose
Automatic Shut Off Nozzle
Electronic Contents Gauge
Management System Output
Standardised Industry TODO Fill Connection

More information on this product can be found at:
http://www.adblueonline.co.uk/air_1/storage_tank/2500L_basic.html or by contacting Commercial Fuel Solutions on 0845 688 9755

2p Duty, Too Little Too Late?

2008-07-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

News earlier this week from Alistair Darling, postponing the 2p Litre rise in petrol came as no surprise to many, Gordon Brown and his chancellor have been hinting that this was a possible move for a while.

As expected, the motoring lobby welcomed this with relief but still demanded that the chancellor back down over the plans to raise duty on cars which emit greater levels of pollution.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies insisted that this move would cost the Treasury in excess of £500m. Former chancellor Kenneth Clarke described it as “scandalous” when Yvette Cooper Treasury chief secretary, failed to give an official estimate of the impact on public finances when prompted.

Kate Gibbs, of the Road Haulage Association, said “anything that helped the transport industry was good news" although the postponement of the fuel duty rise represented "quite a small drop in the ocean".

Beyond the increased pressure from continuous rises in fuel and energy costs, hauliers are likely to be struck again with rising urea costs, the primary component of AdBlue.

An article recently published by MarketWatch.Com suggests that despite urea reaching its highest cost ever last month, prices will again rise in late 2008.

This raises the question if early investment into an environmentally friendly fleet promises to bring as many rewards as the government has led us to believe.

The government has made similar proposals with regards to fuel duty at least 11 times since the turn of the century. Fuel prices have more than doubled in the past 12 years, despite duty being 17% lower. The new decision means the road fuel duty rate will remain at a pinch over 50p/litre for at least another six months.

Alistair Darling commented " The Treasury is hoping to see a slowdown in food prices".., but continued "Oil prices are going to remain high for some time yet".

And the MTA2008 Winners Were...

2008-07-06T02:49:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday at the established Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane central London, the winners of the 2008 Motor Transport Awards were announced.

There were many companies nominated for the various categories, some of the big winners for the evening were as follows;

Winner of the Fleet Truck of the Year was the DAFCF85, beating the Mercedes Axor, MAN’s TGA and Scania’s R Series to the title.

Tesco collected the Low Carbon and Efficiency Award and TNT Express secured two trophies for both the Training and Environment Awards.

A full summary of the nights events, including a list of entrants, nominees and winners can be found by visiting the MTA Awards 2008 website: www.mtawards2008.co.uk.

New HGV stop in Calais

2008-06-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

IDS (International Diesel Services), a specialist in fuelling heavy goods vehicles have completed the final leg of updating their key truck stop in Calais, France.

The station is a fundamental stop for many international drivers who frequently cross in to England.

With help from Air1, six new automated dispensing points have been installed which provide both mineral diesel and AdBlue to commercial vehicles.

Yves Pottier, Manager for Air1, in Yara France, says "the investment in the truck stop falls under our strategy for a durable partnership with one of the key players of the fuel supply industry. With IDS we are investing in its infrastructures and equipment and building a distribution network which will allow our European customers to fill up with AdBlue as easily as with diesel’’. Stéphane Boisson, Sales manager IDS France said, ‘‘we profit from many advantages with Yara, including a guarantee of availability and quality of product’’.

GreenChem Increase Prices by 20%

2008-06-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

Greenchem have announced a further increase in 2008 for the price of AdBlue. As predicted the increase, effective July 1st places an average increase of 6p per litre onto the cost of their AdBlue product.

This monster increase of almost 20% has been a direct result of rising raw material costs.

Managing director of Greenchem Teun de Bruijn has been quoted… “We have no alternative to increasing our prices, but - due to the much steeper rise in the costs of diesel fuel - SCR technology using AdBlue still makes sound economic sense.”

Oil Prices Continue To Drive Up Cost of AdBlue

2008-06-08T12:24:00.001-07:00

Again last Friday Oil prices leapt again to record highs.

This time an increase of $10 (about 8%) pushed the price per barrel to another all time high of $138.54 on the New York Exchange.

Energy experts have claimed that the majority of oil producers have not the capacity to increase output to help satisfy demand, with the only exception being Saudi Arabia which despite delivering 9.4 million barrels a day are capable of increasing this to almost 11.5 million.

Energy Ministers have gathered at the G-8 to discuss how best to tackle the issue and indentify if current oil prices pose a risk to the global economy.

These continual increases have forced further increases in production costs associated to AdBlue, with raw Urea prices almost doubling to what they were 2 months ago.

Energy efficiency seems to present the best solution to tackle rising costs, "We also have to address too the demand side of the equation," said John Hutton, Britain's business secretary. "We will do that through new measures to improve energy efficiency (and) accelerate our moves to a new, low-carbon form of energy generation."

Gordon Brown Addresses Fuel Protesters Concerns

2008-05-30T01:39:00.000-07:00

The widely publicised protests surrounding fuel prices may have influenced the announcement made by the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon.

"It is now understood that a global shock on this scale requires global solutions," Brown wrote in The Guardian newspaper.

Record oil prices have stimulated worldwide protest over the rising price of fuel, which in the UK is 40% up on last year. These increases have struck the haulage industry hard, subsequently the cost has been passed on into almost all industries and consumer products.

"However much we might wish otherwise, there is no easy answer to the global oil problem without a comprehensive international strategy," Brown said, adding that the problem should be made a "top priority" at the EU summit next month and the gathering of G8 leaders in July.

Strikes were called off by French Fishermen last Wednesday only to see the blockades maintained outside oil refineries and depots. Over 300 Truckers and Farmers rallied to protest about fuel prices.

With global economy being directly affected by rising oil prices it must only be a matter of time before someone or something steps up to prevent an international crisis.