AdBlue handling advice from Permex
Fluids equipment provider Permex has issued handling guidance for fleet operators working with AdBlue.
“Finding the latest whizzy bit of kit can be interesting but often turns out to be a costly disappointment, so sometimes it makes sense step back and take stock of the tried and tested products,” said Permex’s Chris Knight (pictured).
The company offers a variety of AdBlue equipment from brands including Raasm, Puisi, Graco and Flaco, ranging from hand-operated pump units suitable for small volume, through medium-sized electric pumps and on to pneumatic large volume transfer pumps.
“Filling AdBlue needs to be done with care using materials that don’t taint the fluid, as contaminated AdBlue can cause expensive issues with the vehicle,” said Chris.
“But every once in a while, something goes wrong – maybe a lapse in concentration has led to diesel being put into the AdBlue tank – and you need to act fast if it’s not to cause huge problems.
“Removing contaminated AdBlue from a vehicle’s tank can be done easily using one of Permex’s range of suction units.”
Chris continued: “Our 24 litre AdBlue drain unit can even be used in hazardous zoned areas where normal electric pumps are banned – and it’s amazing how often AdBlue needs to be removed in such difficult locations.
“It comes with a selection of flexible hollow ‘wands’ that can be fed down into the vehicle’s tank to the to suck the fluid out. The vacuum inside the vessel is created by connecting a compressed air line.
“The high-speed air flowing across a venturi draws out air from inside the container. Once the valve is shut, the airline is disconnected and the unit can be taken wherever it is needed.”
The publicity departments of many vehicle manufacturers may be turning their attention away from diesel power, says Chris, but there are still plenty of engines out there that require AdBlue – however, not all are powering road vehicles.
“Many marine engines, generators, compressors, refrigerator units and so on also need AdBlue. You just need to be aware that the grade of AdBlue may be different,” he advised.
“The vast majority of AdBlue used for road vehicles is AUS 32 but some other engines may need AUS 40 which contains a higher concentration of urea.
“A popular way to buy and store AdBlue is in one thousand litre IBCs. Combining products from a number of quality manufacturers, Permex have produced a range of dispensers for IBCs and also for other size containers which can be fitted onto the IBC itself or onto an adjacent wall.
“For sites with larger throughput, higher volume pumps or even forecourt dispensers can be used.”
