AdBlue Pump & Storage Tank Guide

What is AdBlue™?

AdBlue™ pumps and storage are required to dispense the AdBlue liquid into a vehicle.  AdBlue™ is not a diesel additive! It is a fluid injected into the exhaust system of diesel engines to reduce toxic emissions.  It sits in its own tank within the vehicle or generator.

It’s used to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions below the environmental level many countries require. This protects public health and the wide air quality in the environment.

European Emission Standards have made it a legal requirement for vehicles and machinery using diesel engines to reduce their emissions to a certain level. In response to these new regulations, a new pollution control technology was introduced to be installed into a vehicle’s exhaust system.  Referred to as the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, which, in essence, reduces the level of harmful nitrogen oxides, NOx, that are released into the air.

How does AdBlue work?

AdBlue is a major component in the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system. AdBlue is a trade name for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).  DEF is a synthetic, Aqueous Urea Solution (AUS32) comprising 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionised water. DEF is injected into the exhaust, vaporising and splitting into ammonia and carbon dioxide.  The ammonia turns the NOx, nitrogen oxides into water, H2O and nitrogen, N2, both of which are harmless.

AdBlue™ is the European trademark for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).  This is governed by the Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (The German Association of the Automotive Industry), which ensures that any fluid branded AdBlue™ meets the strict quality standards of DIN 70070 and ISO 22241.

AdBlue™ Pumps & Storage.

AdBlue™ is supplied in various-sized containers for consumers and is available in bulk deliveries for higher-volume users with special bulk AdBlue storage tanks. Because of the fluid's corrosive nature, AdBlue requires storage in plastic tanks and containers, not metal. Pumps and fittings used with AdBlue must not have brass, aluminium, or mild steel parts coming into contact with the corrosive fluid. Plastic and stainless steel are the preferred materials.

Typically, you can purchase AdBlue in 5L, 10L, and 25L plastic bottles from service stations and forecourts. Bulk deliveries can be made in multiples of 200L drums or 1000L IBC (Intermediate Bulk Containers) tanks. For higher-volume users, tanker deliveries can be made into special bunded AdBlue Tanks up to 15,000L capacity.

Usually, Bulk AdBlue Tanks have self-contained dispensing equipment, including an AdBlue-specific pump, hose and nozzle.

AdBlue Pumps for Drums and IBCs

AdBlue drum pump

If you purchase your AdBlue in drums or IBCs, you will require a pump with the correct connection adaptor for the container. An  AdBlue pump for a drum is usually hand-operated. Manual pumps are ideal for making small deliveries.  These are relatively inexpensive.  Supplied ready to use with a 2″ BSP thread usually found on the drum.  Depending on the manufacturer, some plastic drums and barrels will use other threaded caps. These are either a 56mm Trisure or a 70mm Mauser thread. Adaptors are available for these threads to a standard 2″ BSP.

IBC Tanks are 1000L containers delivered full of AdBlue—ready to use. They will require an AdBlue pump kit to dispense the fluid into the vehicle tank. The IBC is supplied with a quick-release suction hose coupling to keep the AdBlue clean. The two most common couplings are the SEC and Micromatic used by Green-Ox.

AdBlue Drum and IBC pumps

Here are links to our AdBlue Pumps:

12v AdBlue pump

230v AdBlue pump 

Hand pump for AdBlue


AdBlue Mobile & Portable Dispensing Tanks

Mobile AdBlue Trolley Tank

AdBlue trolleys and portable tanks, complete with dispensing equipment, are available to keep your AdBlue clean. These solutions offer a simple answer to refilling vehicles, plant, and machinery. They are ideal for busy workshops and service centres and very useful for mobile plant operators and agriculture.  

See our range of mobile AdBlue trolleys and portable tanks

What should you do if you put AdBlue in your diesel tank?

Do not start the vehicle or move it if that can be helped!  The AdBlue solution is corrosive and heavier than diesel and will sink to the bottom of the diesel tank.  This allows it to enter the diesel fuel system quickly, causing large amounts of damage in a short space of time.  The only way to rectify this is to drain the diesel tank completely and refill it with clean diesel.

If you require any further information or need some help, please feel free to contact us.