In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised standards to lower NOx levels in new trucks, leading to the widespread adoption of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. Almost every diesel vehicle since 2010, including pick-up trucks, delivery trucks, and European luxury cars, now uses SCR, necessitating the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
15 Facts About DEF You Should Know!
Here are 15 essential facts about DEF that every fleet and vehicle owner should be aware of.
1. What is DEF?
Diesel Exhaust Fluid, or DEF, is a mixture of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% urea. Urea, a compound in nitrogen, undergoes a chemical reaction when heated, turning into ammonia. While urea is technically derived from a byproduct of urine, it is synthetically made for mass production purposes. DEF is regulated by the American Petroleum Institute and is crucial for SCR technology.
2. Benefits for the Driver
Exposure to DEF vapors is less toxic than direct exposure to diesel, promoting the overall health of drivers. The EPA estimates that the use of DEF will reduce hospital visits, sick days, and deaths, resulting in significant savings for the nation.
3. Benefits for the Vehicle
DEF boosts the efficiency of a truck’s engine, allowing drivers to set their vehicles to a higher power and reduce the frequency of oil changes. Additionally, DEF doesn’t require extra cooling solutions or installations, contributing to the longevity of the engine.
4. Benefits for the Environment
DEF reduces harmful gas emissions, saving taxpayers money on ecological mitigation. The colorless liquid is stable and safe to store, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional NOx emissions.
5. DEF Consumption
The consumption of DEF depends on miles per gallon and the usage of the diesel truck. On average, a light-duty truck will consume 2-3 gallons of DEF per 800 miles, while heavy-duty and medium-duty models will use approximately 2% of the fuel consumed.
6. Emissions Production
NOx emissions have been linked to smog, greenhouse gases, and acid rain. DEF, as part of the SCR system, turns NOx into pure nitrogen and water vapor, significantly reducing the environmental impact.
7. DEF and Fuel Mileage
Contrary to the perception that EPA-induced changes negatively affect fuel mileage, engines with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology often achieve better fuel mileage than other smog reduction systems.
SCR technology allows for more efficient combustion of diesel fuel by reducing harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. By using DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) in conjunction with SCR, the engine can optimize its performance and achieve better fuel efficiency. This is because SCR technology enables the engine to operate at higher temperatures, leading to improved combustion efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
8. History of DEF Technology
DEF technology has indeed been utilized for decades in various industries such as agriculture, industry, and large-scale power generation. However, when it comes to vehicle engines, the use of automotive-grade urea is crucial.
Automotive-grade urea, which has higher purity compared to fertilizer urea, is specifically formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. The purity of the urea ensures the proper functioning and efficiency of the SCR system in reducing harmful emissions.
9. DEF Storage Guidelines
DEF has a limited shelf life influenced by temperature. Storing DEF at 80°F reduces its shelf life to 12 months, while 60°F can extend integrity to 36 months. DEF should only come into contact with specific materials, including titanium, rubber, plastic, and stainless steel.
10. DEF Freeze Point
The standard 32.5% solution of DEF will start to crystallize and freeze at temperatures as low as 12°F. However, it’s important to note that the freeze/thaw cycles do not affect the grade of the DEF product.
When DEF freezes, it expands by approximately 6.5% to 7% by volume. This expansion is taken into account in the design of DEF tanks and systems, ensuring that they can accommodate the volume increase without causing any damage.
11. Preventing DEF Freezing
DEF, or Diesel Exhaust Fluid, should be stored and handled properly to ensure its quality and effectiveness. While it’s safe to keep a small amount of DEF in a vehicle, prolonged exposure to high temperatures above 86°F can lead to decomposition and compromise its quality.
On the other hand, DEF will freeze in extremely cold conditions below 12°F. However, the SCR system is designed to thaw the tank quickly to ensure that the vehicle can continue to operate as intended. Therefore, it’s important to store DEF in a cool, dry place and to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.
12. DEF is Not a Fuel Additive
DEF, or Diesel Exhaust Fluid, is not a fuel additive. It is used in combination with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful pollutants from diesel exhaust. When sprayed into the exhaust, DEF breaks down nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water vapor, which are harmless to the environment.
SCR technology has become increasingly prevalent in modern diesel engines as a way to reduce emissions and comply with environmental regulations. However, it’s important to note that DEF is not a fuel and should not be added to diesel fuel. Instead, it should be stored and handled separately to ensure its quality and effectiveness in reducing harmful pollutants.
13. Batch Testing for Product Integrity
To ensure the quality of DEF fuel, it’s important to test it at every stage of handling. This includes during fleet fueling and delivery of DEF fuel. Fleet DEF deliveries should be handled with care to prevent contamination, and it’s crucial to work with reliable suppliers who can ensure product integrity.
One way to test DEF fuel is through batch testing. This allows for pinpointing sources of contamination and preventing the use of compromised products. By testing DEF fuel at every stage of handling, it’s possible to ensure that it meets industry standards and that diesel engines run efficiently and effectively.
14. Color Change Indicates Contamination
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is an essential component of modern diesel engines, and it’s important to ensure that it’s delivered and stored correctly. Fleet fueling and delivery of DEF fuel are critical to maintaining the efficiency and performance of diesel vehicles. Fleet DEF deliveries must be handled with care to avoid contamination, which can lead to engine damage and decreased fuel economy.
One way to ensure the quality of DEF fuel is to monitor the color of the fluid. A change in color is a clear indicator of compromised product. If the color differs from the original hue, it signifies contamination.
15. Booster DEF Delivery Service
Optimize your fleet with Booster Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Delivery Service. Booster offers competitive pricing, serving fleets of all sizes with seamless integration into existing systems. Booster Insights Dashboard provides real-time reporting for better, faster decisions.
Booster: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Delivery Service
Fuel efficiency is crucial for small, medium, and enterprise fleets. Booster’s DEF delivery service ensures efficiency by delivering directly to your vehicles. With on-site, self-service DEF tote delivery and jug delivery, Booster provides competitive pricing, seamless integration, and a fuel insights dashboard for informed decision-making. Boost your fleet’s sustainability with Booster’s renewable diesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel options. Get started with a free fuel analysis and energy consultation to unlock the benefits of Booster’s coast-to-coast energy network.
Booster believes in effortless and guilt-free energy solutions, delivering fuel directly to you for a better, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
