Dispensing Nozzles for AdBlue™

Due to the highly sensitive nature of AdBlue, various manufacturers have developed specific dispensing nozzles in an effort to avert contamination.

Some distributors have adopted nozzles from other applications, for example nickel plated nozzles which are widely used for handling ethanol based bio fuels are suitable for AdBlue providing minimum dispensing volumes are adhered to.

Tests have proven that long term exposure to nickel plated aluminium will cause a reaction with the AdBlue solution which can damage the SCR.

The level of contamination increases dependant upon the amount of time the AdBlue has been held in the dispensing mechanism. Fortunately the quantity of corrupt AdBlue is only small and if the operator is conducting a fill of at least 70 litres it is possible to dilute the impurities sufficiently.

This aspect should always be considered if you are considering using a nickel plated nozzle to handle your urea solution.

Additional information.

Automatic nozzles operate the same as forecourt fuel nozzles where they will stop dispensing flow if the level of liquid comes into contact with the end of the spout. To ensure that the nozzle will continue to operate it will be necessary to continually clear residual product from the end of the delivery spout.

Manual nozzles do not have an automatic shut off mechanism and subsequently do not require such regular maintenance.

Whichever nozzle you decide to use, it will require an external spout diameter not exceeding 19mm in order to fit into the filling aperture. This provision is in place to ensure that diesel fuel nozzles cannot enter the AdBlue tank as they are always larger in diameter.

Examples of the more popular nozzles are listed below.

ZVA Automatic Nozzle 19mm Diameter up to 40 litre/min Nickel Plated Aluminium and Stainless options available 3.5 Bar Max Operating Pressure Only suitable up to 40 litre/min, compatible with Elafix 40 filler necks on Mercedes Blue Tec / Volvo / Renault Note: Prevents mis-fuelling of AdBlue into Diesel tank

 

PIUSI Manual Nozzle 19mm Diameter up to 60 litre/min Polypropylene 3.5 Bar Max Operating Pressure Polypropylene body is less suitable for industrial applications

 

Horn Stainless Automatic Nozzle 19mm Diameter up to 60 litre/min Stainless Steel 3.5 Bar Max Operating Pressure Recommended for most applications

 

OPW Automatic E85 Nozzle 19mm Diameter up to 60 litre/min Nickel Plated Aluminium 3.5 Bar Max Operating Pressure Only suitable for fills greater than 70 litre capacity