AdBlue® Holding Tanks

AdBlue® Storage is slightly different to fuels storage. AdBlue® as a solution can be corrosive to some materials. It is also very polluting to ground and surface water. However, despite this, there are currently no enforced AdBlue® storage regulations in the UK. However, the Environmental Agency has issued storage guidelines and under the Anti-Pollution Works Regulations, they can issue a notice enforcing appropriate improvements.

The Environmental Agency guidelines state:

1. your container, pipework and dispenser equipment are suitable for use with urea
2. you have secondary containment for the container and ancillary equipment (i.e. a bunded tank)
3. the dispensing area drainage is isolated from surface water drains
4. you have a trigger nozzle with an auto shutoff to dispense AdBlue®
5. you have appropriate emergency equipment to deal with large and small spills. Tuffa spill kits are available with your tank
6. you have an emergency plan and suitable training for dealing with spillages or other accidents

Additionally, the Environment Agency, SEPA and the APEA all encourage the use of a Secondary Containment (bund) when bulk storing AdBlue®

If AdBlue® is stored incorrectly, the solution can degrade or become contaminated. This can therefore cause damage to vehicles or equipment which can be costly. Below are the main points;

• The AdBlue® tank should be manufactured from a non-corrosive materials such as polyethylene.
• The container should be kept out of direct sunlight - between -6°C and 25°C will prevent contamination and increase the lifespan. AdBlue® tanks are bunded and manufactured from an opaque UV stabilised polyethylene. This means our tanks can be stored outside while keeping the solution out of direct sunlight.
• The AdBlue® container should be sealed and clean.
• A bunded tank is advised.

You can gather further information on AdBlue® by GreenChem’s Storage of AdBlue video.

There are optimum conditions for the storage of  AdBlue®. When kept in a sealed container kept between -6°C and 25°C, AdBlue® can be stored for between 12 and 18 months. If stored in a vented container or above 25°C then the shelf-life may be around 6 months.

There are a number of key benefits to on-site AdBlue® storage of which a few are listed below;

• Reducing the cost of AdBlue® by buying in bulk.
• Avoiding AdBlue® shortages
• Improving the clean dispensing of the solution.

You can view a full guide to AdBlue® on our manufacturers website here. As experts in fuel storage, the article offers informed advice on the storage of the fuel exhaust solution.