Urea, also known as carbamide, is a naturally occurring byproduct of protein metabolization in humans and animals. In 1828, German chemist Friedrich Wöhler demonstrated that the organic compound urea could be synthetically formulated – a major breakthrough for modern chemistry.
Synthetic urea is created from synthetic ammonia and carbon dioxide and can be produced as a liquid or a solid. Urea produced at Cornerstone is used internally in the production of melamine and externally in the production of stationary nitrogen oxide (NOx) abatement for the diesel exhaust fluid markets in solution concentrations of 50%, 40%, and 32.5%, rendering 100% of the urea produced at Cornerstone a global sustainability enhancing product.
When urea is injected into exhaust or flue gas at specific temperatures, a chemical reaction ensues that breaks down NOx into atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen, thus eliminating the air pollutant. The mixture of urea and deionized water converts NOx used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems in diesel engines to harmless nitrogen and water. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is an advanced active emissions control technology system that reduces tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) down to near-zero levels in newer generation diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.
