For many UK businesses, AdBlue® is a legal requirement when running Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) that use diesel. This infers an extra cost which can be hard to calculate. But what is AdBlue®, how it helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions, and what happens if you fail to use it? Read on to learn more.
What is AdBlue®?
AdBlue® is a highly purified diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) with the official name AUS32, which stands for Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5%. It is, in fact, a legal requirement to use it in a Heavy Goods Vehicle above 7.5 tonnes or a diesel engine car that’s fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).
What is AdBlue® fluid made of?
AdBlue® contains 32.5% synthetic urea and 67.5% deionised water.
Why is AdBlue® needed?
The transport industry is the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, and diesel-powered vehicles and equipment account for almost half of all nitrogen oxides (NOx). As so, the UK government is putting increasing pressure on diesel car manufacturers to do something about the substantial amount of harmful emissions released by diesel exhausts.
Since 2006, the 4th edition (Euro 4) of the EU law regarding diesel emissions came into effect. The laws become stricter with every update, and the 4th edition made it compulsory for all new lorries to have SCR fitted on them.
By 2015, with the introduction of Euro 6, many road cars and other smaller passenger vehicles became legally required to use AdBlue® to meet Euro 6 standards.
There were no exact European exhaust emissions standards until Euro 1 was implemented in 1993.
What does AdBlue® do?
AdBlue® has become key in helping reduce NOx output from engines as standards have sharpened for transportation vehicles, as well as off-road vehicles and passenger engines.
AdBlue® was designed to help meet the latest Euro 6 exhaust emission regulations and is key in helping to improve air quality and reduce the health impact of diesel emissions. Keeping a supply onsite is a wise decision for any business that relies on diesel to complete its operations.
How does AdBlue® fluid work?
Polluting chemicals and compounds, including Nitrogen Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide, are produced when diesel engines burn fuel. These elements build up in the air and produce smog and acid rain.
AdBlue® works through a process called selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Before any emissions are released, the solution is sprayed finely into a diesel exhaust at a proportion roughly equal to 5% of the diesel fuel.
This releases ammonia which is a catalyst to a chemical reaction and converts dangerous chemicals into nitrogen, water vapour and CO2 – all which are unharmful to our lungs and the atmosphere.
AdBlue® should never be mixed with diesel fuel, either in the fuel tank or when refilling. If the vehicle requires AdBlue®, it should have a dedicated AdBlue® tank which has its own gauge and metring system.
Who requires AdBlue®?
All commercial diesel-engine vehicles that weigh above 7.5 tonnes and vehicles manufactured after October 2006 (Euro IV and Euro V) are typically fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. For SCR to function properly, AdBlue® must be injected into the exhaust gases as part of a post-combustion process.
How do I know if my car uses AdBlue®?
When you purchase a new or used diesel car from a dealership, they should explain what features it has and explicitly whether it uses AdBlue®. Most vehicles will often have a blue coloured screw cap, which is often fitted next to the black diesel filler cap.
For information on your vehicle’s AdBlue® requirements, check your vehicle’s handbook, or if you do not have it to hand. Check online or consult the vehicle’s manufacturer for advice.
What happens if I run out of AdBlue®?
When your SCR-equipped vehicle’s AdBlue® levels are running low, a warning alert will appear on the dashboard. If it runs out of completely, the car will lose power and reduce its performance to remain within legal emissions limits. Its performance will be returned when the AdBlue® tank has been replenished.
Will running out of AdBlue® damage the engine?
No, it will not damage the engine, however, its performance will be affected until you next fill up.
What is the price of AdBlue® per litre?
The price of AdBlue® for a UK business isn’t just the price of the diesel exhaust fluid itself. The cost will depend on your fleet and its consumption will depend on your vehicles and their usage.
Many companies can reduce the overall costs of AdBlue® by buying bulk amounts. Remember that this will require a large onsite storage tank(s) to safely and securely store the fluid, along with pumps to dispense it.
Remember to include these additional costs when looking at AdBlue® from various suppliers.
How long does AdBlue® last and how do I store it?
Storing AdBlue® is straightforward, although it must be kept between -11°C and 30°C to maximise its 12-month expectancy. It’s available in IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) of 1,000 litres, 205 litre barrels and a number of smaller quantities to cater for all requirements (minimum order of 40 litres).
Is AdBlue® hazardous?
AdBlue® is not a hazardous substance and has no known effects or critical hazards. Urea is a raw material that also occurs naturally in our digestive system. However, we strongly advise that you never inhale or ingest AdBlue® due to the risk of a reaction.
Although not hazardous, it is corrosive and can dissolve materials not listed as AdBlue® proof in ISO 22241, which could cause malfunctions in your SCR catalyst.
You might want to wear gloves when dispensing AdBlue® to keep your hands clean but it can easily be washed off with water. It might stain any clothing though.
What do I do if I have spilt AdBlue® fluid?
AdBlue® isn’t hazardous to the environment, so you can dilute a small spill with water and dilute a small spill with water and clean it up using absorbent material.
In the event of a large spill, make sure the solution does not enter any drains or waterways. Then, contain the spill with a spill kit and dispose of it safely.
Make sure that you never reuse any spilt AdBlue® as it will have become contaminated. This will cause expensive damage to your vehicle’s SCR system.
Is AdBlue® a diesel additive?
No, the diesel in your vehicle must never come into contact with it. Diesel and AdBlue® should be stored in separate tanks in your vehicle and should not be mixed.
I have accidentally put AdBlue® in my diesel tank, what do I do?
You must not start your engine as this may damage your engine depending on how much AdBlue® has been inputted. Empty and clean your tank and discard of the mixture. For more information on cleaning and emptying your tank, contact your vehicle supplier or get in touch with our expert team.
I have accidentally put diesel in my AdBlue® tank, what do I do?
Do not start your engine! Just one drop of diesel will pollute up to 20 litres of AdBlue®. Running an engine with contaminated AdBlue® will disrupt the SCR system and cause engine failure. To avoid additional damage to your vehicle, contact your vehicle manufacturer as you may need to replace some of the AdBlue® components.
The price of storing AdBlue®
Keeping AdBlue® safe from contaminants will help maintain its quality and avoid any damage to your vehicle’s engine. If you fail to store AdBlue® safely, you increase the risk of it degrading in quality which can cost you to replace it.
AdBlue® price in packs
Like most products, the smaller the volume, the higher the price when it comes to purchasing AdBlue®. It will often cost more to buy it in smaller quantities, so if you know you will make use of larger quantities on a regular basis. You could save money by buying in larger quantities to benefit from any bulk discounts.
However, although it may feel like a cost-saving exercise buying in bulk. Something to consider if you buy more AdBlue® than you realistically need, is the risk of passing the expiry date and no longer being able to use any remaining stock you may have left over.
AdBlue® price in barrels
AdBlue® is available in 210 litre barrels which will cost less per litre than a smaller AdBlue® pack. You would just need to purchase a pump to dispense the solution, which is often cheaper and will last a while.
AdBlue® price in IBCs and bulk
An IBC can store 1,000 litres of AdBlue® and will cost much less per litre compared to a pack and barrel. The more AdBlue® you buy, the greater the savings you’ll see.
Why do AdBlue® prices change?
The cost of AdBlue® fluctuates due to the cost of the raw products that make up the solution; urea and water. There are no active urea processing plants in the UK which increases demand and therefore price. Buying in bulk means you can avoid any sudden price increases as a result of raw materials.
Benefits of AdBlue®
Reduced NOx and CO2 emissions from commercial vehicles are not the only benefits of AdBlue®.
It also increases your fleet’s MPG and helps your business achieve greener goals and accreditation.
It’s completely safe to handle, easy to store and non-flammable.
How do I keep my AdBlue® clean and safe?
To avoid high costs of replacing your AdBlue®, follow these simple steps:
- Always use dedicated dispensing equipment to transfer AdBlue® to avoid spillages
- Ensure the tank lid is firmly shut to avoid water and contaminants getting in
- If you suspect AdBlue® contamination, you must not use the solution and dispose of safely as it can damage your engines
- If your AdBlue® freezes when temperatures drop below -10°C, don’t worry – once it’s thawed out, it’s safe to use
Is all AdBlue® the same?
To recognise quality AdBlue® it’s important to remember the following:
- AdBlue® should always be a colourless, clear liquid
- Only buy AdBlue® from suppliers registered by the VDA
- Check for “AdBlue® according ISO 22241″ on the container or dispensing system
- Watch out for similar brand names that could be inferior in quality
- Not all urea solutions are AdBlue®, so be wary of any AdBlue® sold at extremely low prices
Where can I buy AdBlue®?
AdBlue® is widely available throughout the UK, however, varies in price significantly. Nationwide Fuels is a nationwide competitive supplier of high-quality AdBlue®, which you can buy in quantities from 40 litres up to 36,000 litres and more. Make sure your fleet of vehicles is safe, legal and helping the environment.
To learn more about how we can help you or your business, take a look at our AdBlue® product page. If you’d like to discuss your AdBlue® requirements, get in touch with our fuel experts today by calling us today on 0330 678 0880.
