Fleet users of diesel powered vehicles will almost certainly need to store AdBlue® in bulk as well as diesel.
Mostly this would be a dispensing tank (see our earlier blog post here). However, there are reasons why you might want a plain storage tank.
One illustration of this is where the customer put in a separate dispenser pump adjacent to the tank (shown at left). Other reasons for bulk storage without built in dispensing equipment might be where you have diesel generators, such as on construction sites or larger commercial/industrial applications.
Tanks-UK can supply the AdBlue® tanks as plain tanks instead of dispensing tanks, which leaves the customer free to add whatever equipment may be needed for their own particular application. For instance, you might need to site the tank in an area without immediate vehicle access, in which case you would require pipework and a separate dispensing pump unit.
What are the requirements for AdBlue® storage?
In the UK there are no specific regulations covering it, but whilst the substance is not classified as hazardous the chemical composition of AdBlue® does require special bulk storage. Because it is long-term corrosive to most metals it should be stored in a plastic tank. All pipework and fittings will need to be either plastic or stainless steel, which is non-reactive with AdBlue®. Whilst bulk storage tanks are available single skinned or bunded, the 2009 guidelines suggested ‘secondary containment’ to prevent groundwater pollution, which in practice would be either a bunded tank or an external bund area.
Spill kits are also an essential for any area where AdBlue® is stored. We can supply a specific 25 litre Spill Kit for AdBlue®, but in fact some of the general-purpose spill kits are suitable. Please ask us for advice on the best kit for your storage tank. Oil and fuel spill kits, however, are not suitable, as AdBlue® has a high water content and the oil spill kits are designed to absorb oil and repel water.
Where should AdBlue® tanks be sited?
Ideally AdBlue® needs to be kept within a particular temperature range (0oC to 30oC), and should be kept out of direct sunlight – which is another reason why dedicated tanks should be used rather than IBC’s. The tanks are opaque plastic to resist the UV rays of sunlight. Siting tanks in open fronted, covered storage areas such as machinery sheds on a farm would be one option. Otherwise consider if you have an area adjacent to the north of a building as this will provide shade from direct sunlight most of the year.
Case Study – Chemical supply company
A chemical import and supply company installed bulk tanks for storage of AdBlue® and transfer to IBC’s for onward distribution. In this case because it was indoors they didn’t have the problem of UV light degradation, so they were able to use the translucent natural tanks which enabled them to visually check the levels.
What type and size of AdBlue® bulk storage tanks are available?
Tanks-UK Ltd offer a selection of suitable tanks from Enduramaxx, Harlequin, Atlantis and Tungsten Tanks. Those shown as dispensing tanks are also available at a lower price as plain tanks. There are vertical and horizontal tank options, and sizes up to 8050 litres. For ease of identification most of the tanks are supplied in Blue as standard but opaque Black tanks could also be used for AdBlue® storage – as long as the substance is identified on the tank there is no special colour requirement.
Just give us a call on 01953 665940 or email info@tanks-uk.com with your requirements and we’ll send you a quote.