SolidFuel & Adblue Storage
AdBlue and solid fuel storage.
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Sizing, regulations, installation. Our team has been answering these questions for over 25 years.
Solid Fuel & Adblue Storage FAQs
Why can't AdBlue be stored in a standard diesel or water tank?
AdBlue is a highly pure urea solution that reacts with certain metals and can be contaminated by residues left in tanks used for other fluids, which ruins its effectiveness in SCR systems. Dedicated AdBlue tanks are moulded in polyethylene with compatible seals, fittings and dispensing equipment designed specifically to keep the solution uncontaminated from filling to dispensing.
What size AdBlue tank do I need for a small fleet or single yard?
For occasional top-ups on a handful of vehicles, a smaller bunded tank in the low hundreds of litres is usually adequate. Busier fleets or plant hire yards typically move up to 1,000-2,500 litre tanks with a metered pump to speed up dispensing and reduce spillage. Think about delivery frequency too — a larger tank means fewer bulk deliveries and less handling.
Does AdBlue freeze, and what does that mean for tank siting?
Yes — AdBlue freezes at around -11°C, though this doesn't damage the tank and it recovers fully once thawed. For year-round outdoor use in colder parts of the UK, consider a tank with insulation or heating trace, or site it somewhere sheltered so dispensing isn't held up mid-winter.
Do AdBlue tanks need bunding or secondary containment?
AdBlue itself isn't classed as an environmentally hazardous substance in the way diesel is, so bunding isn't a strict legal requirement in the same sense. That said, many sites fit bunded tanks anyway for spill containment, tidiness and to protect nearby drains or watercourses — it's good practice and often insisted on by site managers.
What's the difference between a coal bunker and a log store?
Coal bunkers are typically fully enclosed GRP or timber units with a lid, keeping fuel dry and preventing coal dust from spreading. Log stores are usually more open-fronted or slatted to allow airflow, which helps season wood and stops it going mouldy in storage. Choose based on the fuel — sealed for coal and smokeless fuels, ventilated for logs.
Do solid fuel stores need a prepared base or foundation?
A firm, level base is important — concrete, paving slabs or compacted hardcore all work well, and it should be slightly raised or sloped so rainwater doesn't pool underneath. This stops the unit rocking or sinking over time and keeps fuel off damp ground. Larger bunkers holding significant tonnage benefit from a proper concrete pad for long-term stability.