AdBlue Refractometer :: Urea Concentration Testing
The AdBlue refractometer is a new hand held sensor developed to address the growing need to check the urea concentration in AdBlue.
Escalating urea prices have driven the cost of operating an SCR higher than ever before. Regretfully this has led to a new wave of problems where supplies of diluted AdBlue have found their way in to the market.
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 weak solution in an effort to reduce the emissions adequately.
Specification |
| Sensor | Refractometer |
| Test | Urea Concentration in AdBlue |
| Range | 0 ~ 40% |
| Resolution | 0.1% |
| Accuracy | ± 0.2% |
| Temp Range | 10 ~ 40°C |
| Sample Volume | ≥ 3ml |
| Measuring Time | 3 seconds |
| Power | 2x 'AAA' alkaline battery |
| Battery Life | 11000 readings (approx) |
| Protection Class | IP65 |
The diagram below demonstrates exactly how much an unscrupulous supplier can increase their profit margins by when simply diluting an IBC with just 200-300 litres of Deionised water.
Genuine AdBlue |
Diluted by 20% |
Diluted to 20% |
| Assuming: 1000L IBC @ £350 Urea = £0.884/litre DI Water = £0.11/litre |
 |
 |
 |
| % Urea in IBC | 32.5% |
26% |
20% |
| Urea Cost £ | £275.60 |
£220.48 |
£169.60 |
| DI Water Cost | £74.25 |
£81.40 |
£88.00 |
| Total Cost £ | £350.00 |
£301.88 |
£257.60 |
| Vehicle Consumption (in relation to fuel) |
5% approx |
6.3% |
12.8% |
Taking a measurement is quick, simple and effective.
Monitoring your AdBlue Supply could not only save you money on the true cost of the solution but can also help prevent the risk of SCR contamination a costly repair issue commonly associated to repackaged AdBlue filling.
