Adblue is the trademark name for Diesel Exhaust Fluid and is a high purity urea solution used in diesel engine vehicles, including agricultural and non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) to help them meet emissions regulations.
All new diesel engine equipment, including Tractors and Combine Harvesters, will have to be manufactured so that they meet EU emissions regulations. Currently these are Stage IV regulations which came into force in January 2014. Under the increasingly stringent guidelines Stage V is set to be introduced in 2019-2020 and will replace the current Stage IV regulations.
It will be easy to identify if your agricultural equipment or Tractor requires AdBlue in order to function. There will be an AdBlue gauge on the dashboard, the same as there is for the diesel fuel. There will also be an AdBlue cap next to the diesel filler cap on the equipment. If you are purchasing a new piece of machinery is it standard practice for the supplier to let you know if the equipment has an AdBlue requirement.
Always purchase genuine AdBlue for use in your agricultural machinery:
AdBlue is crucial to ensure that your expensive agricultural equipment continues to operate correctly, as it is an essential component in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The SCR system has been developed as one of the most effective ways to reduce the nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels in exhaust fumes in order to meet the emissions regulations.
Not looking after the SCR system in your agricultural equipment could lead to an irreversible fault. To prevent this from happening we always recommend that you use a Diesel Exhaust Fluid which has been manufactured to the ISO 22241 standard. This standard was developed in partnership with vehicle and chemical manufacturers to define the solution which should be used in SCR systems. The trademark of AdBlue has been created to help consumers easily identify products which meet this standard.
At Gleaner Oils we ensure that the AdBlue products we provide are genuine and meet the UK standard required, by only working with registered manufacturers. If you are unsure if the AdBlue product you are using is genuine, you can check the VDA website for a full list of authorised manufacturers.
Prevent contamination of the SCR System in your agricultural equipment:
Damage can also be caused to the AdBlue SCR system in your agricultural and NRMM equipment through contamination.
Water contamination, particularly from the use of tap water, can cause lime scale build up in the catalyst. Unlike when there is a lime scale build-up in your kettle, it cannot be removed from the SCR system and can prevent it from operating as intended meaning the AdBlue will not be able to do its job as effectively. For this reason it is important to never fill the AdBlue tank with tap water.
Iron, Aluminium and Copper traces can also lead to serious faults with the SCR system on tractors, combine harvesters and agricultural equipment. Contamination of these metals is usually the result of AdBlue being stored in unsuitable containers or by using incompatible pumps or pipework. By nature AdBlue is mildly corrosive and will begin to degrade some metals upon contact, leading to a contamination of metal particles which will then be irreversibly deposited in the SCR system.
Should damage occur to the SCR system, whether this be a gradual degrading or clogging due to contamination, this may lead to costly replacement parts. In most circumstances the costs of these repairs will not be covered by the equipment manufacturers warranty if it can be proven that it is the result of contamination.
How to correctly store and handle AdBlue:
To prevent contamination it is important to ensure AdBlue is correctly stored and handled. AdBlue can be stored in cans, drums and IBC’s, and must remain sealed between uses. If you are buying pre-packaged AdBlue we always recommend following the storage and usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
It is also important to ensure the storage and transfer area are kept clear and free of dust to reduce the chances of contamination. Keeping AdBlue equipment clean is also essential. It is important to remember not to use tap water should any AdBlue equipment require cleaning, instead we recommend using AdBlue solution itself or demineralised water. It is not recommended that used AdBlue containers are refilled as they may have had a chance to become contaminated.
If you are storing your AdBlue outside or in an area likely to be affected by cold temperatures, remember it can be used once it has been frozen and thawed out. Freezing AdBlue will not deteriorate the solution and it will still be of the required standard to use once it has been thawed.
It is important to remember to store AdBlue out of direct sunlight, especially during the summer months. Exposure to sunlight can strengthen the chemicals in the AdBlue solutions, and therefor steps should be taken to prevent this from happening.
If stored correctly you can usually expect a shelf life of 12 months on most AdBlue products.
Where can I buy AdBlue for my Tractor or Agricultural Equipment?
AdBlue is widely available as it’s a requirement for most modern diesel engine vehicles. Depending on the quantity you are looking to purchase, you may be able to buy AdBlue from a local retailer or you may need to purchase it from a specialist supplier, like Gleaner Oils.
AdBlue is available in a variety of cans and drum sizes from our network of retail service stations across Scotland. These smaller sized packages are suitable for use on domestic vehicles and are designed to be easily used to prevent spillages. Gleaner Oils also have AdBlue pumps available at our Skiach Services site in Evanton and Cowdenbeath Service Station in Fife. The pumps allow AdBlue to dispensed easily into larger vehicles and machinery, in the same way you would fill up with diesel.
Large drums and IBC’s can be purchased through our commercial fuels team and can be delivered direct to your address. If you are operating a large number of vehicles which require AdBlue, keeping a stock on-site may be the best option for you.
For more information or for AdBlue prices please contact Kevin Neish on 07887 986904.
