AdBlue Tank Capacities

Bulk AdBlue Storage Tanks typically have a capacity of 1,000 litres or greater and are fully bunded to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental safety requirements. They’re purpose designed to store and dispense AdBlue. Typically mains powered, our range of Bulk AdBlue Tanks combine forecourt style dispensing convenience, with the assurance of supply only on-site storage can provide.

Why store AdBlue in bulk?

There are many reasons to store AdBlue in bulk. Below we’ve listed just a few:

• A safe and secure store of AdBlue on-site;

• Fully traceable product sourcing from delivery to consumption;

• Vehicles can depart site fully replenished, reducing the risk of downtime in the field;

• Complete control over how AdBlue is stored and dispensed;

• Potential for volume discounts, dependent upon AdBlue usage and order volume;

• You choose who fills your tank, when they fill it and how often they fill it.

Tank Sizing

Just like fuel consumption, AdBlue consumption will vary according to average speed, terrain, external air temperature, driving style, vehicle weight, engine size, model and manufacturer. Given the myriad of factors which impact consumption, it simply isn’t possible to estimate AdBlue usage with precision.

However, the table below provides an overview of typical AdBlue consumption rates on a monthly and annual basis for a selection of vehicles on the road today. Your vehicle manufacturer will be able to provide more accurate data on a model specific basis. This is the starting point for calculating required storage capacity:

Table 1 Typical AdBlue Consumption by Vehicle Type

To work out the size of tank required for a specific AdBlue storage installation:

• Estimate monthly consumption by vehicle type across your fleet;

• Multiply total monthly fleet consumption by how many months’ AdBlue supply you wish to store.

Worked Example

As an example, we’ll take a distribution business. The company’s fleet comprises 2 HGVs, 2 Rigid Trucks, a Panel Van and 2 Large Cars. They wish to store 3 month’s supply of AdBlue. By taking vehicle consumption data from Table 1 and multiplying by the number of vehicles and number of months’ storage required, we can calculate the business’ storage requirement.

Table 2 AdBlue Tank Capacity Worked Example

From the worked example above, the company will require a tank an AdBlue Tank with a minimum storage capacity of 3,522.69 litres.

Important Information

When calculating required storage capacity, there are several important factors to consider:

• When stored in an aboveground tank positioned outdoors, AdBlue has an estimated maximum ‘shelf life’ of c.6 months. Therefore, when sizing a tank you should never plan to store any more than 6 months’ supply at a time;

• Minimum delivery quantities vary by distributor. It’s not so very long ago that some AdBlue distributors would not deliver any less than 3,000 litres at a time. Today, most distributors’ minimum order volumes are significantly lower. But it’s always worth confirming minimum delivery volumes before specifying any tank;

• As well as being able to replenish vehicles, the tank will need to be periodically replenished itself. It’s important to ensure you provide adequate access so delivery personnel can replenish the tank safely before you run out of AdBlue. Again, we recommend consulting with your AdBlue supplier prior to specifying and installing any tank.

Other AdBlue Tank Types

As well as Bulk AdBlue Storage and Dispensing Tanks, other tank types are available:

• Caddy Type Tanks Smaller capacity ‘Caddy’ type AdBlue Tanks are ideal for emergencies and small-scale replenishment. They’re designed to be filled from either a forecourt pump, or a larger, bulk AdBlue Storage Tank on-site. Fully portable and with a capacity of less than 100 litres, they’re fitted with a hand pump and are ideal for cleanly and safely transporting an dispensing small quantities of AdBlue. Click here to see Carbery's 55 litres capacity AdBlue Caddy. 

• Portable AdBlue Tanks Portable AdBlue Tanks are again designed to be filled from either a forecourt pump or a larger, bulk AdBlue Dispenser. They simply strap on to the back of a pick-up truck or similar vehicle. With typical capacities ranging from 200 to 450 litres, they allow you to dispense AdBlue wherever it’s needed, whenever it’s needed. Ideal for off-highway AdBlue dispensing applications. Click here to see our range of Portable AdBlue Dispensers. 

Queries? Questions?

Our Customer Support Team is on hand to answer any queries or questions you may have about how to store AdBlue safely and responsibly. You can call them on 01789 632 151 in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, 01 5268 642 in the Republic of Ireland or e-mail hello@fueltank.store. We’re open weekdays from 9am to 5pm - excluding Bank and Public Holidays.