Azotal SpA began manufacturing AdBlue® in November 2006, becoming one of the first Italian manufacturers in the sector. From the outset, it has been able to guarantee the quality of the final product, with the ultimate goal of complying with the strict specifications of the ISO 22241 standard. An ever-increasing number of customers, a more widespread sales network, a technical service able to study and solve any problem, these are just some of the results that make Azotal SpA one of the most qualified manufacturers of AdBlue® in Italy and Europe.
In order to guarantee the quality levels of AdBlue® from the production to distribution (and to fully comply with the ISO 22241 standard), Azotal SpA has designed a special production system that involves the entire production chain and that is supplemented by special operating procedures. The guarantee of quality of AdBlue® by Azotal comes from a sequence of production stages that must be carefully executed and controlled in order to prevent compromising the final result.
The efficient operation and durability of catalytic converters (which interact with AdBlue®) of diesel-powered vehicles depends directly on the quality of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of AdBlue®, i.e. urea and desalinated water. Azotal manufactures AdBlue® through the dissolution of solid urea obtained by synthesis in desalinated water. The urea used is chemically pure and is classified by Italian and European suppliers as “AdBlue® quality grade”, i.e. suitable for the production of AdBlue®. To verify the requested quality, analytic controls are performed on the goods received. The desalinated water that is fed into the plant is of the highest quality and is practically free from salts and/or metals and/or other purities. It comes from desalination plants placed in series, and the quality is monitored throughout the entire process (desalination plant – intermediate storage – use).
These plants are fully dedicated and isolated from other production cycles in order to prevent potential contaminations. They are made of materials compatible with the raw materials used and with the final AdBlue® product.
Using appropriate instruments, the process parameters are constantly adjusted and controlled in order to prevent manufacturing faults from adversely affecting the essential properties of AdBlue®.
As in the case of production plants, the storage systems have also been specially designed to guarantee and safeguard the quality consistency of AdBlue®. Reduced storage times, compatible materials and dedicated equipment are the key factors for preventing contamination and quality degradation.
Before filling, the loading tankers as well as medium/small capacity containers (IBCs, drums, jerry cans, etc.) are thoroughly inspected by specialised personnel in order to ensure that AdBlue® is not contaminated. In case of unsuitability, the containers are discarded, while the tankers are rejected.
The tankers, which require presentation of the certificate of washing, are always cleaned by water vapour injection before loading. This is only interrupted when the water condensation discharged from the tank meets the quality requirements.
To guarantee a perfect production, storage and loading process, Azotal uses highly skilled and appropriately qualified personnel, who receive periodic training.
AdBlue® is made by applying the methods normally used in quality systems.
Specifically:
– the entire production chain is developed according to standardised and reproducible procedures, with continuous control of the process and quality parameters;
– the production is divided into numbered batches and each batch is thoroughly analysed before it is made available for sale;
– duties, responsibilities and activities of the personnel shall be assigned and verified by their direct superiors;
– the raw materials used in each production batch can be traced at all times, as well as the operating methods used in the production process, including handling and storage.