Frequently Asqued Questions

Automotive Urea is the necessary reagent for the functionality of the SCR system. It is an aqueous solution of urea, carefully mixed with 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% deionized water.

Urea is a nitrogen compound that converts into ammonia when heated. It has important uses as a fertilizer and food supplement, as well as a starting material for the manufacture of plastics and medicines. It is a colorless, crystalline substance that melts at 132.7° C (271° F) and decomposes before boiling.

SCR technology treats the exhaust gasses after the engine. Small amounts of Automotive Urea are injected into the exhaust stream and, when mixed with NOx, are converted into harmless nitrogen and water.

The Automotive Urea you purchase must show American Petroleum Institute (API) certification, while complying with the International Organization for Standardization ISO 22241-1, and meeting AUS–32 specifications. This ensures proper purity and concentration (32.5%) of urea. For more information, please visit www.iso.org.

The production of urea involved the raw materials of ammonia and carbon dioxide. Two reactions take place in the formation of urea. The first is an exothermic reaction (heat release) in which ammonia and carbon dioxide create ammonia carbamate. The second reaction is endothermic (absorbs energy in the form of heat) in which ammonium carbamate is converted into water and urea. 

Yes. 32.5% urea concentration is the ideal solution as it provides the lowest freezing point. We understand that all SCR systems will be calibrated at 32.5% concentration.

This 32.5% solution will begin to freeze at 12° F (-11° C). At 32.5%, both urea and water will freeze at the same rate, ensuring that when thawed, the fluid does not become overly diluted or concentrated. Defrosting will not damage the product.

Approximately 9 pounds per gallon.

SCR systems are designed to provide heating for the Automotive Urea tank and supply lines. If Automotive Urea freezes when the vehicle is off, starting normal operation of the vehicle will not be inhibited. The SCR heating system is designed to quickly return Automotive Urea to its liquid form.

Automotive Urea should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Although the optimal temperature is up to 77° F (25° C), temporary exposure to higher temperatures has little to no impact on the quality of Automotive Urea.

The shelf life of Automotive Urea is directly related to the ambient storage temperature. Automotive Urea will degrade over time, depending on temperature and exposure to sunlight. If stored between 10° F and 90° F, the shelf life will easily be one year. However, if the maximum temperature does not exceed approximately 75° F for an extended period of time, the shelf life will be two years.

The Automotive Urea packaging will have a date code on the product. The date code will give you the date it was manufactured. The first digit of the date code represents the lot number, and the next 6 digits reflect the date the lot was made and filled.

While constant exposure of Automotive Urea to high storage temperatures may have some impact on the shelf life, this should not be a concern. Tests have been conducted in hot climates, and the results conclude that Automotive Urea stored at a constant temperature of 86° F has a shelf life of 6 months.

No. Automotive Urea is a non-toxic, non-polluting, non-hazardous, and non-flammable solution. It is stable, colorless, and meets accepted international standards for purity and composition. Automotive Urea is safe to handle and store, and does not pose a serious risk to humans, animals, equipment, or the environment when handled correctly. The MSDS is available upon request.

If Automotive Urea is spilled, contain the spilled liquid and absorb it with an inert, non-combustible, absorbent material, such as sand. Shovel the material into a suitable container for disposal. Spills into a drain should be avoided. If spilled into a drain, rinse thoroughly with water. For significant quantities, contact local authorities for proper disposal procedures. If Automotive Urea is spilled on your vehicle, rinse with water.

Automotive Urea should never be ingested. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. A doctor should be consulted if you begin to experience any symptoms.

If Automotive Urea is inhaled, move to an area with fresh air, and get medical attention if symptoms, such as nose and throat irritation, develop.

Automotive Urea may have a slightly pungent odor, similar to ammonia. However, it is completely harmless.

Automotive Urea is corrosive to copper and brass, as well as other materials. Only approved materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), will be used in the Automotive Urea tank, packaging, and dispensing equipment.

Since Automotive Urea is made up of 67.5% water, evaporation will occur over time. However, engine manufacturers have built and shipped thousands of SCR engines. These SCR engines and systems have been operating throughout Europe, without any problems associated with evaporation. As a preventive measure, it is important to keep the Automotive Urea tank cap closed tightly.

The standard nozzle diameter for Automotive Urea dispensing has been designed at 19mm versus the standard diesel fuel nozzle diameter (22mm). Additionally, the Automotive Urea tank cap will be blue, in order to further differentiate it from the diesel tank.

The SCR system will recognize solutions other than Automotive Urea, and the Automotive Urea indicator light will appear to notify the driver. Depending on the level of contamination in the tank, the vehicle may require maintenance.

Automotive Urea consumption is expected to be approximately 2 – 3% of fuel consumption, depending on vehicle operation, duty cycle, geography, load ratings, etc.

Automotive Urea consumption is directly related to fuel consumption. A truck averaging 6 MPG can expect to travel approximately 300 miles on one gallon of Automotive Urea.

Automotive Urea consumption will be approximately 2 – 3% of the diesel fuel consumed. Annual miles for the average truck is 50,000 miles. The average MPG for the average truck is 8 MPG. 50,000 miles divided by 8 MPG is 6,250 gallons of diesel fuel per year. So, Automotive Urea used (2–3% of diesel fuel used) would be 125 gallons of Automotive Urea. 125 gallons divided by the average sized tank (10 gallons) would be 13 Automotive Urea refills per year.

For example… Heavy Duty Truck Annual miles for a truck that averages 120,000 miles has an MPG average of 6 MPG. 120,000 miles divided by 6 MPG is 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. 2–3% of that would mean 400 gallons of Automotive Urea a year would be used. 400 gallons of Automotive Urea divided by the average 20 gallon tank would be 20 refills of Automotive Urea per year.

The dosage rate for Automotive Urea will vary slightly, ranging from 1% to 3%.

Vehicles will have indicators on the dashboard that will alert the driver to the amount of Automotive Urea remaining. A low level warning lamp will illuminate when fluid is low. If the vehicle completely runs out of Automotive Urea, power will be reduced enough to encourage the operator to refill the Automotive Urea tank. Once the levels return to normal, the engine will resume its normal power levels.

The Automotive Urea Dosing Filter will need to be replaced approximately every 200,000 miles as part of routine maintenance.

There will be no change to lube filter service intervals on SCR equipped vehicles. The SCR process affects exhaust emissions after the engine produces them.

1 gallon, 2.5 gallon, 55 gallon drum, 275 gallon disposable tote, and 330 gallon tote and bulk.

It is not recommended that customers fill Automotive Urea bottles for use in SCR systems, due to strict ISO requirements to maintain the purity of Automotive Urea.

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) are all large containers exceeding a 55-gallon (207L) drum, and smaller than a tanker truck.

Our 330 gallon tote can be returned or refilled. For information on returning totes, please call 281-377-5845.

The current price of Automotive Urea is focused on specialized markets. Current predictions indicate that the price of Automotive Urea at the pump will be below the price of diesel fuel and is expected to be in the range of $2 to $3.

Micro Matic Closed Loop Systems control and manage the purity of Automotive Urea throughout the supply chain to ensure maximum performance and longevity of SCR technology. They provide evidence of tampering and support Automotive Urea warranties. All Micro Matic parts for Automotive Urea meet ISO 22241 requirements for construction materials.