Method for operating a reducing agent tank and motor vehicle in which the method is carried out

US8955308B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH · DE

Inventors

• Peter Bauer · Siegburg, DE
• Jan Hodgson · Troisdorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 11, 2012
• Grant date: Feb 17, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 27, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/12
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for operating a tank for reducing agent, in particular aqueous urea solution, having a sensor with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, includes initially determining a conductance value for liquid reducing agent, a conductance value for frozen reducing agent and a conductance value for air in steps a.1) to a.3. A voltage is then applied between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact in step b. A conductance value between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is then determined in step c. The conductance value determined in step c) is then compared to the conductance values determined in steps a.1) to a.3) and a determination is made as to if liquid reducing agent, frozen reducing agent, or air is present in step d). A motor vehicle in which the method is carried out, is also provided.