AdBlue

All About AdBlue

Below we explain what AdBlue is and what it does

What is AdBlue?

AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) mixture used in all heavy-duty diesel engines produced after January 1st, 2010. With most commercial vehicle and car diesel engines made after September 2015 – primarily Euro 6-compliant models. AdBlue® is not a fuel additive as it’s added to the exhaust gas after combustion has taken place.  

AdBlue® reduces Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. Nitrogen oxide is a harmful gas that can damage the human respiratory system, reducing lung function. Increasing allergen exposure and the risk of respiratory illnesses. It promotes the formation of fine particulate pollution and ground ozone – harmful to both health and vegetation. 

It’s for these reasons that governments set limits on vehicular NOx emissions and promote the use of AdBlue®. This improves air quality and reduces the danger of diesel pollution-related illness and death. 

The term AdBlue® is a worldwide trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Relating to DEF produced in accordance with the ISO 22241 specifications. 

What is AdBlue made of?

AdBlue is made of a colourless mixture of high-purity urea (32.5%) and deionised water (67.5%). As set out in the ISO 22242 standard. Urea contains ammonia; the active ingredient in AdBlue®. Which reacts with NOx and neutralises it before it enters the atmosphere. 

What does AdBlue® do? How does it work? ​

AdBlue works alongside vehicle engine selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. To reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust emissions. Vehicles that use the active emissions control technology can usually be identified by the use of ‘SCR’ or ‘Blue’ in their model names.  

After exhaust gas passes through the diesel particulate filter. AdBlue® DEF is sprayed and mixed into it via a dosing control system as it enters the SCR catalytic converter. Here, the ammonia within the urea reacts with NOx in the exhaust stream. Neutralising it to form harmless nitrogen (N2) and water vapour (H2O). While additionally reducing total fuel consumption by 2-6%.  

AdBlue and SCR systems are highly effective, reducing NOx emissions by up to 90%. Hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 50-90%, and particulate emissions by 30-50%.  

How long does AdBlue® last and how much AdBlue® should I use?

If you’re wondering how long AdBlue® lasts and how much you should use in your vehicle. The rate at which your AdBlue® depletes is around 1 litre for every 350 to 600 miles. The exact rate at which you should top up your AdBlue® depends on your vehicle’s engine size. Your driving style and the size of the vehicle’s AdBlue® tank, which varies between 5 and 20 litres in size.  

For more information on your specific usage rates, consult your vehicle’s handbook or a qualified mechanic. But bear in mind that your dashboard should indicate when you need a top-up. 

Is all AdBlue® the same? Are there different types?

While there are different names for AdBlue®, such as Bluedef, BlueTec and so forth. All mixes should contain the same solution of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionised water. The German Association of the Automotive Industry’s AdBlue® marque can be confidently relied upon to meet these requirements, while others may not. 

You should never use water instead of AdBlue®. The VDA notes that vehicles should not use urea solutions not denoted by the ‘AdBlue’ trademark. While inexpensive. These can harm the SCR catalytic converter, so it’s always best to stick with legitimate, branded AdBlue®. 

Driving without AdBlue® – can you do it?

It’s impossible to drive without AdBlue® – your engine will not start, and you’ll see a notification noting ‘AdBlue® is empty’. A notification will also appear when your AdBlue® tank is running low. 

How much does AdBlue® reduce emissions?

AdBlue® is generally considered to reduce NOx emissions by over 90%. Making it a crucial tool for improving air quality and combatting environmental issues.

What is the freezing point of AdBlue®?

AdBlue® can freeze at temperatures below -11°C. However it will usually thaw due to the heat of the engine in cold winter conditions, without any change in concentration or effectiveness.

If driving in exceptionally cold conditions, it can be a good idea to keep a bottle of liquid AdBlue® in your vehicle to top up the tank in case of freezing – automatic warming systems can take up to 20 minutes to thaw frozen AdBlue® tanks.

Is AdBlue® corrosive, toxic or dangerous?

AdBlue® DEF is water soluble, biodegradable and non-hazardous, however you should rinse thoroughly in case of contact, avoid AdBlue® vapours, and clean surfaces that come into contact, as it is slightly corrosive to certain materials. 

ADBLUE

ADBLUE

We supply a full range of AdBlue products, including a full range of tanks and dispensing products. From AdBlue pumps and flowmeters to AdBlue nozzles and hose reels.

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FAQS

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions relating to Diesel tanks. We trust we have covered most queries, but if you have any further questions and queries please do not hesitate to contact our sales team: sales@tankstation.co.uk alternatively you can speak to our tank expert: Technical Terry via our live chat

AdBlue®

AdBlue® works alongside vehicle engine selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust emissions. Vehicles that use the active emissions control technology can usually be identified by the use of ‘SCR’ or ‘Blue’ in their model names.

After exhaust gas passes through the diesel particulate filter, AdBlue® DEF is sprayed and mixed into it via a dosing control system as it enters the SCR catalytic converter. Here, the ammonia within the urea reacts with NOx in the exhaust stream, neutralising it to form harmless nitrogen (N2) and water vapour (H2O), while additionally reducing total fuel consumption by 2-6%.

AdBlue and SCR systems are highly effective, reducing NOx emissions by up to 90%, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 50-90%, and particulate emissions by 30-50%.

No AdBlue cannot be stored in mild steel metal tanks, due to corrosive qualities that react with mild steel. AdBlue can be stored in plastic tanks- polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, PFA, PFE, PVDF, PTFE. It can also be stored in stainless steel tanks, but for cost reasons this is unusual.

Delivery

At Tankstation we are committed to providing our customers with the most efficient end to end service available. This can be tricky as we work with many manufacturers and they offer different lead times, but we will discuss this with you prior to order. Below are our general terms for delivery of tanks and all other products:

Delivery options based on request

Standard delivery options will include:

  • parcel delivery for small items

  • Kerbside delivery for manually handleable items

  • Kerbside delivery for tanks and a tail lift unload capability or an unload capability on your end (this will be confirmed and agreed at time of order)

  • HIAB (crane off load) delivery, this is available at an extra cost. This will be quoted at time of order and is based on your location.

  • Articulated vehicle (approximately 16.5m long x 2.6m wide x 4m high). This will have no offload capability and will be the responsibility of the customer to provide a means of unloading, by way of telehandler or fork lift (please make a note of the product weight, to make sure your lifting machinery is suitable and capable). Any restrictions to access, such as narrow roads or height/weight restrictions and turning points MUST be stated at time of order. The driver may refuse to enter locations with restrictions that have not been previously stated and noted. We will do our best to provide the most suitable mode of transport based upon information received from the customer at time of order.

  • 18 tonne tail lift vehicle (approximately 8.2m long x 2.6m wide x 4m high). This will have no offload capability and will be the responsibility of the customer to provide a means of unloading, by way of telehandler or forklift (please make a note of the product weight, to make sure your lifting machinery is suitable and capable). Any restrictions to access, such as narrow roads or height/weight restrictions and turning points MUST be stated at time of order. The driver may refuse to enter locations with restrictions that have not been previously stated and noted. We will do our best to provide the most suitable mode of transport based upon information received from the customer at time of order.

Please note that all deliveries are kerbside and it is the responsibility of the customer to arrange suitable machinery for positioning and placing tanks in location. On request we can provide HIAB (crane off load) delivery, but this will be at an extra cost and positioning of tanks will depend on safe and easy access to desired location.

Small items, such as accessories and anything that can be delivered via courier will be delivered within 1-3 days. Subject to stock availability and next day service is available on some items (at an additional cost).

 

 

This is possible, but it will depend on which stage the order has already reached. Please contact us as soon as you can and we will try to avoid any additional costs to rearrange the delivery address being incurred by you, but this cannot be guaranteed.

Unfortunately deliveries can only be made on weekdays.

It is advisable that you or a representative is at the delivery address on the day of delivery. This is in order to check the goods and sign for them, it is also required for unloading of large items when 'special' delivery arrangements have not been made.

All orders are followed up with an email confirmation and this will include delivery details and an estimated delivery date.

Small packages will be delivered by either Royal Mail or other couriers. The driver will leave a card with information how and where to collect the item from their nearest depot. Larger items, such as palletised goods, will need to be re-arranged for delivery and will most likely incur additional costs. Tanks and other goods that require HGV delivery will require additional payment and the delivery will have to be a re-arranged for a later date, as close to the original delivery date as possible.

Some products can be available for next day delivery service, but cut off times may vary. You should contact our sales team as early as possible to discuss opportunities for this service.

Lead times generally relate to products either in manufacture or about to enter manufacture, such as bespoke products and products that are not in general product (special order). Lead times are available on the product page and once an order is made we will update you weekly on the progress of completion and delivery of your product.