Diluters and Re-packagers

Two new problems plague the AdBlue industry, ‘Diluters’ and ‘Re-packagers’ and both lead  to a catalogue of complaints and an increase in running costs.

Diluters

Essentially the biggest problem of the two are the Diluters. Diluters sit in the ‘grey area’ of the law and often flout trading standards.

The problem is simple: the purchasing of ‘AdBlue’ solution of which the concentration of Urea has been diluted by increasing the ratio of de-ionised water. The example below illustrates the lucrative profit margin which can be obtained when selling on diluted product.

Assuming: 1000L IBC @ £350 Urea = £0.884/litre DI Water = £0.11/litre

Often rebranded ‘Automotive urea solution’ to eliminate the risk of prosecution by trading standards (as a mix of less than 31.8% urea cannot be labelled AdBlue) victims of this weaker concentration may not be able to seek compensation under the Trades Description Act.

Tell tale signs of whether you are victim of a diluted supply include vehicle consumption rates regularly exceeding those quoted by the manufacturer. This is because the vehicle, if fitted with a NOx sensor, will inject larger volumes of the weaker solution in an effort to sufficiently reduce the emissions.

Re-Packagers

The lesser of the two evils are the re-packagers: Courtesy of the Weights & Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006, it is possible (and entirely legal) to purchase AdBlue in bulk volume and dispense it into smaller containers (IBC’s drums, Cans) for onward distribution and resale.

The main observations are in this instance are that:

1. the measuring device or weighing scales typically operate within +/- 0.5% Accuracy,
2. the first, last and samples at regular intervals are checked for accuracy.

additionally, in order to keep the product pure:

3. the containers being filled are virgin containers of a suitable material and free from contaminant.
4. ISO22241-3 is observed and the transfer equipment is identifiable as suitable for handling AdBlue.

Repackaging, if performed correctly and in controlled conditions, can provide comfortable profit margins without the risk of industrial repercussion. However AdBlue is highly susceptible to contamination and interrupting the transfer process between the original container and the vehicle storage tank is not recommended in any instance.

Even though re-packagers are offering what is essentially genuine AdBlue product there is always a strong possibility that contamination could have occurred during the transfer process. As a result no manufactures will lend their name to repackaged product.

Vehicle Warranty
Another consideration often overlooked is that vehicle manufacturers will not offer warranty if the operator has failed to use genuine AdBlue product (conforming to the ISO 22241-1 standard). In most instances, it is unlikely that repackaged product conforms.

Contamination leads to a damaged SCR, the most two common types of contamination are either:

1. Particulate or foreign matter entering and the system causing either the injectors or lines to fail. Avoid this by keeping your system (and most importantly) the dispensing nozzle clean.
    
2. The handling container or transfer equipment was not made from suitable materials and the solution has reacted with one or more substances, changes in the purity of the solution can cause salts to form and these coat the ceramic head on the SCR, clogging its porous surface and eventually rendering it ineffective.

Incorrect transfer equipment can potentially contaminate an entire fleet. Always dispense AdBlue with a suitable system. Additional guidance is available through ISO22241-3 the international standard for handling, transportation and storage.

Note: Periodic sampling of your supply will identify impurities, samples will need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis with an Atomic Absorbsion Spectrometer, regular tests will typically cost around £150. 

Identifying genuine product.

AdBlue is a colourless liquid to look at. It is visually impossible to determine differences in purity and concentration when compared to a diluted or repackaged supply.

Fortunately identifying genuine product is possible if you know what you are looking for.

Repackaged product (especially cans) is often supplied in plain containers with no branding or information present. Genuine Air1 products are clearly identified with their unique logo and packaging which is always labelled correctly.

If in doubt, your supplier should always be able to produce a genuine certificate of conformity on request which includes a traceable batch number, the certificate of conformity should not to be confused with the MSDS sheet. If you suspect that your AdBlue consumption exceeds the vehicle manufacturer’s quota, you are now able to test your supply and establish if you are the recipient of diluted product.

A hand held sensor has been developed to test the concentration of AdBlue. This directly addresses the problems created by diluters and confirms the percentage of urea in the sample. Purity can only be tested at a laboratory (analysis with an Atomic Absorbsion Spectrometer).

If in doubt, your supplier should always be able to produce a genuine certificate of conformity on request.

Contact us for more information.