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BR-102024017346-A2 - Rapid test for aldehyde control in AdBlue 32

BR102024017346A2BR 102024017346 A2BR102024017346 A2BR 102024017346A2BR-102024017346-A2

Abstract

“RAPID TEST FOR ALDEHYDE CONTROL IN ARLA 32”, this patent application refers to an innovative and practical solution developed to facilitate the identification of the presence of aldehydes in ARLA 32 samples, directly at the collection site. These samples are simply introduced into a suitable container with the subsequent addition of reagents, and after gentle manual agitation, the presence of aldehyde above the permitted limits is identified in the resulting solution within 30 minutes. Once the reagents are mixed with the ARLA 32 sample to be analyzed, the user compares the color of the solution mixture with a color gradient, which is also included in the test kit, and without the need for any other instrument, can quickly and qualitatively identify the presence of aldehyde. Therefore, this test is a valuable tool for a variety of stakeholders, including environmental inspection institutions such as IBAMA and environmental agencies such as CETESB and IAP, for example, the Federal Highway Police, and consumers (such as transport companies, bus companies, retailers, distributors and gas stations, among others); by ensuring that the ARLA 32 used and evaluated does not contain harmful levels of aldehydes, this test helps to avoid environmental fines, health problems related to exposure to carcinogenic compounds such as formaldehyde, and legal issues related to the use of undue tax incentives for agricultural urea.

Inventors

  • EDUARDO CARVALHO GABARDO

Assignees

  • EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS UNION LTDA

Dates

Publication Date
20260310
Application Date
20240823

Claims (3)

  1. 1. RAPID TEST FOR ALDEHYDE CONTROL IN ARLA 32, comprises the use of reagents (oxidant and catalyst) dissolved in a sample collected from ARLA 32, a transparent graduated bottle and a color chart, characterized by the fact that once the reagents are added to the ARLA 32 sample in the transparent graduated bottle, a specific chemical reaction occurs, as potassium permanganate (KMnO4) acts as an oxidant and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) serves as a catalyst to facilitate the oxidation of aldehydes by breaking their double bonds; said chemical reaction involves the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids with the concomitant reduction of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) to manganese dioxide (MnO2); the simplified equation of this reaction can be described as: 3 HCHO + 2 KMnO4 + 4 H2SO4 ^ 3 CO2 + 2MnSO4 + 5H2O + K2SO4; Where: HCHO represents formaldehyde; potassium permanganate in aqueous solution has a violet color, characteristic of the product before the reaction begins; the user must wait up to 30 minutes and then compare the resulting color of the solution contained in the transparent bottle with the color gradient chart; if the color is intense violet or light violet, the sample is considered APPROVED; if the color is colorless or light pink, confirming the minimal amount or absence of potassium permanganate, the sample is considered REJECTED.
  2. 2. RAPID TEST FOR ALDEHYDE CONTROL IN ARLA 32, according to claim 1, comprising the use of reagents (oxidant and catalyst) dissolved in a sample collected from ARLA 32, a transparent graduated bottle and a color chart, characterized by the kit being composed of a transparent and graduated bottle; potassium permanganate solution in a 30 ml bottle with a dropper in a graduated amber glass cannula; sulfuric acid solution in a 30 ml bottle with a dropper in a graduated glass cannula; instruction manual; and printed chart with the color scale for final product qualification;
  3. 3. RAPID TEST FOR ALDEHYDE CONTROL IN ARLA 32, according to claim 1, comprising the use of reagents (oxidant and catalyst) dissolved in a sample collected from ARLA 32, a transparent graduated bottle and a color chart, characterized by adding 20 ml of ARLA 32, collected from the vehicle and/or the ARLA 32 storage reservoir under inspection, to the transparent graduated bottle; adding 2 ml of potassium permanganate to said bottle; adding 2 ml of sulfuric acid, by measuring with the graduated bulb to the bottle; and gently and manually shaking the solution without capping the test bottle; waiting 30 minutes for the reaction to complete and capping the test bottle for better handling and visualization of the contents of the final solution by comparing it with the color gradient scale of the printed chart.

Description

001 This patent application refers to an innovative and practical solution developed to facilitate the identification of the presence of aldehydes in ARLA 32 samples, directly at the collection site. These samples are simply introduced into a suitable container with the subsequent addition of reagents, and after gentle manual agitation, the presence of aldehyde above the permitted limits is identified in the resulting solution within 30 minutes. Once the reagents are mixed with the ARLA 32 sample to be analyzed, the user compares the color of the solution mixture with a color gradient, which is also included in the test kit, and without the need for any other instrument, can very quickly qualitatively identify the presence of aldehyde. Therefore, this test is a valuable tool for a variety of stakeholders, including environmental inspection institutions such as IBAMA and environmental agencies such as CETESB and IAP, for example, the Federal Highway Police, and consumers (such as transport companies, bus companies, retailers, distributors and gas stations, among others). By ensuring that the AdBlue (ARLA 32) used and evaluated does not contain harmful levels of aldehydes, this test helps to avoid environmental fines, health problems related to exposure to carcinogenic compounds such as formaldehyde, and legal issues related to the improper use of tax incentives for agricultural urea. 002 As is known to professionals working in the production, control, and inspection of ARLA 32, this product, the Automotive Liquid Reducing Agent, is conventionally an aqueous solution composed of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% demineralized water, used in vehicles equipped with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are harmful air pollutants. 003 The application of AdBlue (ARLA 32) in diesel engines significantly contributes to the reduction of air pollution due to its ability to transform NOx into nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O), two harmless compounds, through chemical reactions that occur in the SCR catalyst. The effectiveness of AdBlue in reducing NOx emissions is crucial, since nitrogen oxides are associated with environmental problems such as acid rain, photochemical smog, and deterioration of air quality, as well as public health problems, including respiratory and heart diseases. 004 In Brazil, the mandatory use of ARLA 32, since 2012, follows the regulations of CONAMA (National Council for the Environment) and is part of the air pollution control program for motor vehicles, PROCONVE (Program for the Control of Air Pollution by Motor Vehicles). The legislation was implemented to align vehicle emission standards in Brazil with international standards, such as those of the European Union, promoting improved air quality and contributing to a healthier environment. 005 This requirement applies to all new heavy commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and is an essential measure to ensure that advances in automotive technology effectively contribute to environmental sustainability and compliance with international environmental agreements. 006 To ensure the effectiveness of AdBlue (ARLA 32) in reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology, there are strict quality parameters that must be followed, as specified in the ISO 22241 standard. Among these parameters, aldehyde levels are particularly important, as excess aldehydes can poison the SCR catalyst and negatively affect the transformation of NOx into non-harmful substances. 007 According to current legislation, there are some quality parameters, which are as follows: 1) Urea Concentration: ARLA 32 must have exactly 32.5% urea by weight (with a tolerance between 31.8% and 33.2% urea by weight). This precise concentration ensures ideal chemical effectiveness in the catalytic reduction process; 2) Presence of Urea Biuret: The urea must be free of biuret (maximum of 0.3% allowed), a substance that degrades NOx neutralization equipment in vehicles; 3) Water: The solvent is type II demineralized or deionized water to prevent mineral deposits in the SCR system; 4) Chemical Impurities: ARLA 32 must have low concentrations of calcium, iron, copper, zinc, chromium, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, and other heavy metals to avoid damage to the catalyst; 5) Alkalinity: Strict limits for free ammonia are imposed to prevent damage to the exhaust system and catalyst; and 6) Aldehyde: The presence of aldehydes in AdBlue (DEF) must be a maximum of 5 ppm (parts per million). ISO 22241 specifies limits for total aldehydes (usually in the form of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde). 008 The main input for the production of AdBlue (ARLA 32) is urea, a chemical compound used in various applications, including: as an emission-reducing agent in diesel vehicles (AdBlue 32) and in agriculture as a fertilizer and in industrial processes. The quality of the urea is fundamental when i