Handling and storing of AdBlue

From haulage companies to farms, construction sites and industrial centres, keeping your machinery and equipment up and running, all year round, involves the correct storing and handling of a range of lubricants, greases, fuel oils and also AdBlue. But what are the considerations for storing and handling AdBlue correctly? And what are the potential complications you should be aware of? Well, here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are the UK’s number one fuel oil professionals, delivering a range of products to all parts of the UK, within 1-3 days. This includes AdBlue. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you should consider about the safe storage and handling of AdBlue.

What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is an important diesel exhaust fluid which is used to reduce the amount of harmful emissions emitted from engines fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Reducing emissions is a big target for governments across the globe, and exhaust fluid has become commonplace, to help achieve this aim. However, this also means that vehicles are designed to fail, should the AdBlue be completely depleted. And for haulage companies, farmers, and construction sites, this means that keeping AdBlue levels topped up, and stored correctly is a relatively new concern.

What are the consideration for the handling and storing of AdBlue?

To make sure that your AdBlue is stored and handled correctly, you should consider:
⦁ The type of storage
⦁ The temperature of storage
⦁ Using dedicated AdBlue equipment

What type of storage is suitable for AdBlue?

AdBlue can be stored in sealed packs, that should always remain resealed when not in use. But the most effective way to store AdBlue, depending on the quantity, is in a drum. This is one of the most effective ways to protect the AdBlue from any foreign contaminants including tap water or fuel oils.

AdBlue can be supplied in drums of different sizes to suit your requirements, or can be supplied in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). The size you need will depend on the amount of usage, and for companies and sites with a lot of machinery with SCR engines, you will need to store more AdBlue to keep your vehicles and machinery running.

What temperature should AdBlue be stored at?

With winter well and truly underway, temperature considerations are a key concern. If your storage reaches temperatures of -11 degrees, or more, the AdBlue will probably freeze. You should make sure there is additional room in your container for a safe freeze, thaw process. The AdBlue can be used with no issue once it has thawed safely.

In the summer months, AdBlue should not be kept in temperatures over 30 degrees, or in direct sunlight. This can cause the AdBlue to start to decompose. If you are concerned about temperatures getting too hot, you can cool the AdBlue container by spraying the sealed container with cold water.

What equipment will you need for dedicated AdBlue storage?

AdBlue can easily be contaminated by diesel or other fuel oils, as well as tap or rain water. This is why you need to store AdBlue in a dedicated drum. But when handling and moving AdBlue, you also need to ensure that you use a dedicated container, that has not been contaminated with fuels, grease or lubricants, to transfer AdBlue into the tank. You will also need to keep the area free of dust and debris, because this too can cause issues for your SCR engine, which can be expensive to fix.

Professional AdBlue supply and delivery

Here at Compass Fuel Oils, we supply and deliver AdBlue to every corner of the UK, in bulk and in drums, in just 1-3 days. So to help keep your vehicles and machinery up and running, why not get in touch for your AdBlue needs today?