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Best Practices

How to Store AdBlue® Properly: Essential Tips for Quality Maintenance

July 2023
6 min read

Proper storage is critical for maintaining AdBlue® quality and ensuring your SCR system operates efficiently. Contaminated or degraded AdBlue® can cause costly system damage and vehicle downtime. This guide covers everything you need to know about storing AdBlue® correctly.

Temperature Control: The #1 Storage Priority

Temperature is the single most important factor in AdBlue® storage. The ideal storage range is 0-30°C. Outside this range, AdBlue® quality deteriorates rapidly.

What Happens at Different Temperatures

  • Above 30°C: Urea decomposes into ammonia, reducing effectiveness and shelf life dramatically
  • -11°C and below: AdBlue® begins to freeze (but thaws without quality loss if done correctly)
  • Above 35°C: Shelf life can drop from 18 months to just 6 months or less
  • Extreme heat (40°C+): Product may become unusable within weeks

Essential Storage Requirements

Avoid Direct Sunlight

UV exposure and heat from direct sunlight accelerate degradation. Store indoors or in shaded areas. For bulk tanks, consider white or light-colored tanks that reflect heat.

Keep Sealed

Always keep containers tightly sealed when not in use. Exposure to air can introduce contaminants and allow evaporation, changing the urea concentration.

Prevent Contamination

Never reuse containers. Don't mix AdBlue® with any other substances. Even trace amounts of diesel, oil, or other chemicals will contaminate the product.

First In, First Out

Always use older stock first. Mark delivery dates clearly and implement a rotation system to ensure nothing sits beyond its shelf life.

Storage Container Guidelines

The right container is essential for maintaining AdBlue® quality:

Approved Materials: Use containers made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), stainless steel 304/316, or PVDF. These materials won't react with AdBlue®.

Avoid: Copper, brass, zinc, aluminum, carbon steel, and galvanized steel. These materials corrode when exposed to AdBlue®, contaminating the product.

Purpose-Built: Use dedicated AdBlue® containers and dispensing equipment. Never repurpose containers that held other chemicals.

Shelf Life Guidelines

18

Months

Stored at 10-25°C

12

Months

Stored at 25-30°C

6

Months

Stored above 30°C

Signs of Degraded or Contaminated AdBlue®

Do not use AdBlue® if you notice:

  • Discoloration (should be clear or slightly yellow)
  • Cloudiness or visible particles
  • Strong ammonia smell (mild odor is normal)
  • Crystallization or sediment
  • Expired or unknown manufacturing date

Using contaminated AdBlue® can damage your SCR system, leading to repairs costing thousands of dollars.

Storage Solutions for Different Operations

Small Operations (1-10 Vehicles)

10L bottles are ideal. Store indoors in a cool, dry location. Easy to rotate stock and maintain freshness. Purchase only what you'll use within 3-6 months.

Medium Operations (10-50 Vehicles)

IBCs (1000L containers) offer good value and convenience. Store in shaded areas or climate-controlled warehouses. Ensure proper handling equipment is available.

Large Operations (50+ Vehicles)

5,000L-10,000L bulk tanks are most economical. Install in shaded locations with proper bunding. Consider insulated tanks if temperature fluctuations are an issue. Regular bulk deliveries ensure fresh product.

Storage Best Practices Summary

  • Maintain storage temperature between 0-30°C at all times
  • Protect from direct sunlight and UV exposure
  • Use only approved container materials (PE, PP, stainless steel)
  • Keep containers sealed when not in use
  • Implement first-in, first-out stock rotation
  • Never mix AdBlue® with any other substance
  • Inspect regularly for signs of contamination or degradation
Quality Storage Solutions

Need AdBlue® Storage Solutions?

EZ Fluid Solutions offers complete storage solutions from 10L bottles to 10,000L bulk tanks with professional installation across Queensland.

View Storage Options Request a Quote
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