AdBlue - IBC, barrel and tanker delivery

Questions we are frequently asked

• What is AdBlue® ?

  AdBlue® is a trademarked brand name for DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) – a solution used within the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system in modern diesel engines. A highly-purified mixture of water and urea, AdBlue® passes through the SCR system during operation, and converts potentially harmful NOx emissions in exhaust gases into a mixture of water vapour and nitrogen.

  This system was developed to help reduce air pollution created by modern vehicles and to meet Euro VI emissions legislation.

• Why do I need AdBlue® ?

  Over the past 20 years, European legislation has transformed our vehicles and the impact they have on the environment.

  By defining a series of emissions targets for all new vehicles sold in the EU, the legislation has compelled Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek new ways to filter and reduce harmful emissions. Exhaust after-treatment systems have been one of the most prominent types of solutions adopted.

  Three main after-treatment systems have been developed. All three systems work in different ways to reduce emissions, and each has a different impact on your fleet’s performance and maintenance requirements.

• What are the three exhaust after-treatment systems?

  

  EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system - NOx is created when nitrogen and oxygen combine at high temperatures. The EGR system recirculates old exhaust gas to reduce the temperature in the engine cylinders, resulting in a reduction in the level of NOx produced.
  
  DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) - as the name suggests, a DPF works like a sieve to filter out the particulate matter (soot) from the exhaust. This soot builds up on the filter and therefore needs to be periodically ‘burned off’ to maintain the efficiency of the system.

  SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) System - in an SCR system, Diesel Engine Fluid (aka DEF or AdBlue® - a mixture of purified water and urea) is injected into the SCR catalyst. The fluid reacts with the harmful NOx emissions to create nitrogen, water, and carbon dioxide – reducing emissions by up to 95%. Vehicles with SCR systems need to replenish AdBlue® to continue to function. Often, sensors can prevent the vehicle from starting or running if an insufficient level of AdBlue® is detected.

• Which exhaust after-treatment system requires AdBlue®?

  AdBlue® is used for SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems. The AdBlue® reduces the harmful NOx emissions and it is a legal requirement to use AdBlue® in SCR diesel vehicles.

• What sizes of AdBlue® do you supply?

  We supply 10 litre containers, 210 litre barrels, 1,000 litre IBCs, and can also deliver in bulk with a dedicated tanker. 

• How quickly can you deliver?

  We have nationwide coverage and dedicated warehouses, which means we can deliver the next day if needed.

• How do I store AdBlue®?

  Always store AdBlue® in the storage unit supplied or an appropriate dedicated AdBlue® tank. AdBlue® should be stored between -11^oC and 30^oC to maximise its shelf life.

• What is the shelf life of AdBlue®?

  If stored correctly in sealed containers, AdBlue® has a shelf life of 12+ months. 

• How much AdBlue® do I need?

  Compared to diesel consumption, AdBlue® has relatively low consumption, typically a ratio of 1 part AdBlue® to 20 parts diesel, but it does depend on the vehicle. Your dedicated account manager will get to know your fleet requirements and be able to advise the most suitable frequency of your AdBlue® deliveries.

• How much does AdBlue® cost?

  The price of AdBlue® varies depending on the quantity you order and the delivery location. Get in touch with our team and they will provide you with a competitive quote.

• Can I set up regular or scheduled AdBlue® delivery?

  Yes, many of our customers choose this option. Your Account Manager will discuss the delivery frequency with you to make sure you always have the right AdBlue® supply.

• What happens if you run out of AdBlue®?

  Each vehicle has a slightly different procedure when AdBlue^® is running out so check with the manufacturer for full details.

  As a guide, if AdBlue^® is low the vehicle will first notify the driver. If AdBlue® is then left to run out, most vehicles will limit performance and will not restart when the engine has turned off.

• Is AdBlue® made from pigs’ urine?

  AdBlue^® is a synthetic, highly purified solution of urea and demineralized water NOT pigs urine. Whilst the chemical urea is in pigs’ urine, it is found in much lower concentrations alongside many other elements. Using pigs’ urine (or any urine) instead of AdBlue^® would cause irreversible damage to the SCR system in your vehicles.

• Does AdBlue® clean the DPF?

  No – AdBlue^® is used in the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system of a vehicle, which is separate from the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) system. AdBlue^® reacts with harmful NOx emissions to create a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

  DPF systems use a process called regeneration to remove the buildup of particulates. This is when the system heats up to burn off any accumulated soot particles.

• Can I use water instead of AdBlue®?

  No - AdBlue^® is used as part of a complex chemical reaction inside an SCR system. This system is incredibly sensitive and using anything other than AdBlue^® from an authorised distributor could block the injector and damage the catalyst, leading to costly repairs.

• What happens if you put diesel in an AdBlue® tank?

  The SCR system that AdBlue^® is used in is incredibly sensitive. If diesel is put into the system, it will contaminate the catalyst and is likely to require a replacement catalyst.

  If you have accidentally put diesel in your AdBlue^® tank DO NOT start the engine or move the vehicle. The AdBlue^® tank will need to be drained and cleaned before use.

• Is AdBlue® toxic?

  As a mixture of demineralised water and urea, AdBlue^® is clean, odourless, and non-toxic. AdBlue^® is not hazardous however, as a chemical, it should be treated as per guidelines. AdBlue^® is predominantly made of water and, therefore, is corrosive to certain metals. Whilst not toxic, AdBlue^® is a pollutant and should not be allowed into watercourses. AdBlue^® tanks, IBCs and containers should all have protection in place to prevent spillages. Speak to our customer service team to find out about the right option for your business.