What Is AdBlue® and What Are its Uses?

In 2005 the legislation on diesel vehicles in the UK & Ireland and in the rest of Europe demanded a drastic reduction of NOx emissions.  As a result of this, most new trucks, buses, coaches and vans built after 2005 have been equipped with SCR technology (Selective Catalytic Reduction).

In short, If you have a purchased a new commercial vehicle that is manufactured to meet Euro IV, V or VI standards i.e. a truck, bus, coach or van, it will require AdBlue®.

Cleaner Emissions

AdBlue is essential for the cleansing and reduction of harmful emissions and is injected into the exhaust gasses before they enter the atmosphere.  It is stored safely within a separate tank on the vehicle, and is specifically measured and applied by spraying into the exhaust manifold, reacting with the gasses within it, creating the cleansing and catalytic effect. AdBlue consumption is typically around 3% – 5% of the diesel consumption for a typical vehicle, dependent of loading weight and other relative factors.

Requirement for Public Transport

Since 2005, the use of AdBlue® has been a fundamental requirement for many types of public transport including bus and trucks produced on or after that date. Dependent on the truck and mileage it is generally acknowledged that a vehicles AdBlue® stocks will need to be replenished approximately every 10 days. This is based on each vehicle having a 80 –90  litre AdBlue tank.

This generally equates to around 1000 litres each month for each vehicle and is not required to apply retrospectively, due to the difficulties in applying the requirement to older modes of transport.

There are very stringent quality and regulatory standards in place to govern the way AdBlue® is produced and to ensure that it conforms with government regulations including the DIN70070 and ISO22241 standards.

Importance of Handling & Storing AdBlue®

By upholding and complying with the relevant guidelines, AdBlue® will perform its role to the highest standards but due to nature of the product it is easy to compromise the overall quality.

Such things include handling and storage to name the most prevalent types of misuse and it is not uncommon for vehicle manufacturers to fail to support warranties if this type of misuse has occurred.

The two most important things to remember when handling and storing AdBlue® is the storage temperature, which should never fall below -11°C and secondly to prevent any foreign objects from coming into contact with the solution causing contamination.

Providing it is stored correctly and is free from contamination, it is widely accepted that AdBlue® has a shelf life of 12 months.

AdBlue® Pack Sizes

For light users with only 1 or 2 SCR fitted vehicles, we can supply AdBlue in plastic 205 litre barrels / drums as well as any manual or electric pumps and spill protection equipment as needed.

For medium usage we recommend purchasing a 1000 litre plastic IBC and a pump.When the IBC is empty we will come and swap it over with a new, full IBC.

For hauliers and large fleets we can also offer bulk AdBlue deliveries (2000 litres+) providing you already have your own storage tanks on site.

Summary

To conclude, AdBlue® is a fundamental resource for many modes of transport and is so important it has been made an essential regulation that requires strict adherence and governance.  It is neither a fuel or a fuel additive, but a high purity urea solution that must be used in a dedicated tank on your vehicle.

AdBlue® is harmless, non-flammable and non-explosive.  It is classified as a transportable fluid with minimal risk. If you ever spill AdBlue on your hands, simply wash them thoroughly with water.

Ready to purchase AdBlue®?

If you are ready to order AdBlue or if you require any further help and information regarding it, please call Compass Fuels and speak to a member of our team on 0330 128 9838 or alternatively please fill out the Contact Us form.

 

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1,000L IBC AdBlue @ £400 + VAT

No IBC Deposit & Free Delivery to UK mainland.

Please email us on sales@compassfuel.co.uk or call us 0330 128 9838 to discuss

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What other services do we offer?

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For orders or free advice please call 0330 128 9838.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Deliveries

  • What areas do you deliver to?

    We deliver to most regions in the UK. To check if we service your area, please use our delivery postcode checker or contact our support team 01772 619 461 

  • What is the minimum order quantity for delivery?

    The minimum order quantity varies depending on the fuel type. For most orders, it is 500 litres, but smaller deliveries may be available upon request for example barrels of 205l fuel.

  • How long does delivery take?

    Standard deliveries typically take 3–5 working days. We also offer express delivery options for urgent orders.

  • What should I do if my tank is overfilled or damaged during delivery?

    Please report any issues to our customer service team immediately. We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

  • Can I change or cancel my delivery?

    Yes, you can modify or cancel your delivery by contacting us at least 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time.

  • Do you charge a delivery fee?

    Standard delivery is included in the fuel price for most orders. Express deliveries or orders below the minimum quantity may incur additional fees.

  • What types of vehicles are used for delivery?

    We use a fleet of fuel tankers suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural deliveries. For restricted access locations, we may send a smaller vehicle.

  • What if my delivery is delayed?

    While we strive to deliver on time, delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If your delivery is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.

  • What should I do to prepare for a delivery?

    Ensure your tank is easily accessible, remove any obstructions, and secure pets or gates. If your tank has a lock, please make sure it is unlocked.

  • How will I know when my delivery will arrive?

    You will receive a notification with an estimated delivery date once your order is confirmed. On the day of delivery, our driver may contact you directly.

  • Do I need to be present during the delivery?

    In most cases, you don’t need to be present as long as your tank is accessible and ready for filling.

  • What happens if I’m not available during the delivery?

    If you’re not available, our driver can deliver the fuel to your tank as long as it is accessible and safe to do so. If access is restricted, we will contact you to reschedule.

  • Can I schedule my delivery?

    Absolutely. You can choose a preferred delivery date during the order process. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?

    Yes, same-day and next-day delivery options are available in select areas. Additional charges may apply.

Payments

  • What currency are payments processed in?

    Payments are processed in GBP (British Pounds). If you are paying from outside the UK, your bank may apply conversion fees.

  • Is my payment information secure?

    Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your payment details.

  • Can I request an extension on my payment due date?

    Yes, payment extensions may be available upon request. Please contact our billing team to discuss options.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Refunds are processed in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact our support team for further assistance.

  • How can I update my payment details?

    You can update your payment details by contacting our customer service team. 

  • Can I split my payment across multiple methods?

    Unfortunately, we do not support splitting payments across multiple methods at this time.

  • What should I do if my payment is declined?

    If your payment is declined, double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or our support team for assistance.

  • How do I receive my invoice or receipt?

    Invoices and receipts are sent to your registered email address or by letter.

  • Is there a surcharge for using a credit card?

    No, we do not charge additional fees for payments made using a credit card.

  • Do you offer credit terms for businesses?

    Yes, we provide credit terms for eligible business customers. Please contact our sales team to discuss account setup and terms.

  • Can I set up a direct debit or recurring payment?

    Yes, you can set up direct debit or recurring payments to ensure timely and hassle-free billing.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers. For business customers, we also offer account-based billing.

  • I paid for my order by card, I received less fuel than I paid for due to the tank being full, what happens now?

    We have a couple of options available, we can refund your payment card, this takes 3-5 working days from the date we process your refund. Alternatively, we can leave the credit sat on your account and adjust this amount from the payment for your next order.