20 Facts You Need to Know About Diesel Exhaust Fluid

The vast majority of engineering systems use Diesel Exhaust Fluid sprayed into the exhaust to break the generated NOx into water molecules harmless Nitrogen. Since the Diesel Exhaust Fluid is introduced in the exhaust, the manufacturer can build as much power as possible. The DEF fluid is stored in a separate tank which is insulated and heated and is marked by a blue filler cap.

This blog post will read 20 crucial facts you need to know about Diesel Exhaust Fluid. So don’t miss the exciting article.

1. What exactly is Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a mixture of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% urea from a strictly chemical disposition.  Urea is a compound in Nitrogen that turns to ammonia when heated. Urea is used in various industries. Urea is derived from a byproduct of urine, but for mass production purposes, it is synthetically made. The American Petroleum Institute regulates most DEF fluid products

When mixed with exhaust, let’s look at the science behind Diesel Exhaust Fluid: Chemically, DEF fluid is firstly comprised of (NH2)2CO. When DEF fluid is injected into the hot exhaust gas, the water evaporates, leaving ammonia and isocyanic acid.

2. How Often is Necessary to Fill Up the Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank?

That question depends explicitly on miles per gallon and the usage of the diesel truck in question. According to the OE manufacturer, the typical average light-duty truck will consume 2-3 gallons of DEF fluid per 800 miles, no matter how heavy the load.

Heavy Duty and Medium Duty Fuel models will vary, but DEF fluid consumption will be approximately 2% of the fuel consumed according to Cummins Filtration. You will use 1 gallon of Diesel Exhaust Fluid, For every 50 gallons of diesel fuel burned. Here are some Heavy and Medium Duty Consumption projections by our friends over at Cummins Filtration.

3. Where can you buy Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

It is not possible to buy Diesel Exhaust Fluid just anywhere. DEF fluid is mainly sold at truck stops in big jugs containing multiple gallons of the stuff. Some gas stations will carry Diesel Exhaust Fluid but don’t count on it if you are in a pickle. Understanding that the engine will automatically shut down if you don’t refill an empty DEF fluid tank is essential. You don’t want to be stocked somewhere with an empty DEF fluid tank because it is not sold everywhere. Familiar places to buy Diesel Exhaust Fluid include:

1. TravelCenters of America
2. Walmart
3. Target
4. Love’s Travel Shop
5. SAPP Brothers
6. Flying J Truck Stops
7. Petro Stopping Centers
8. Pilot Travel Centers
9. O’Reilly’s
10. NAPA
11. Advanced Auto

4. What are the Cons and Prose of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid Truck?

The Cons of Diesel Exhaust Fluid

There are very few cons with Diesel Exhaust fluid as it is a reasonably simple process to deal with. When it comes to Diesel Particulate Filter (PDF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), there can be many maintenance and repair issues since they are prone to clogging. These systems are complicated in design. A simple clogged filter can cause temperature and pressure differentials that can affect the whole performance of the engine.

The only cons to DEF fluid include the additional upfront cost to the truck, added nominal weight, and some other room to store an extra gallon of the fluid.

The pros of Diesel Exhaust Fluid

• Better fuel economy
• Increased horsepower
• More optimized combustion
• Fewer regenerations issues
• Minor wear on the engine
• Only releases water vapor and Nitrogen into the air.

5. Is Emissions Production an important issue?

 NOx has been blamed for smog, acid rain, and a rise in greenhouse gasses. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid turns NOx into pure water vapor and Nitrogen. Climate change is a challenging debate. But we all believe that spewing more gasses into the environment isn’t something we need more of.

6. Will Diesel Exhaust Fluid Lower My Fuel Mileage?

It is natural to think that any EPA-induced changes to the diesel engine are necessarily a bad one. However, it is quite the contrary. The major diesel manufacturers discovered it could fine-tune the engine in any way it deems fit and allow the SRC and Diesel Exhaust Fluid to remove the particulate.  Manufacturers found that engines containing SCR technology often get better fuel mileage than other smog reduction internal systems.

7. Has this new Diesel Exhaust Fluid Technology Ever Been Used Before?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid technology has been used for decades in agriculture, industrial, and large-scale power generation applications. The urea mixed with heat creates ammonia which causes a chemical reaction that reduces NOx by 70%-95%. 90% of urea production is used as Nitrogen released fertilizer. Notably, automotive-grade urea has a higher purity than fertilizer urea. If fertilizer urea with lower grade is used in vehicle engines, you risk the disintegration of the SCR and possibly ruin the engine. It may even trigger ECM sensors to prompt a DEF fluid Tank Empty warning incorrectly.

8. Does Diesel Exhaust Fluid Evaporate After A Period of Disuse?

The answer is yes and no. The temperature at which Diesel Exhaust Fluid combines with NOx exhaust is between 1400-1600 F. The chemical reaction happens at much hotter temperatures than on a hot sunny day. For example, a constant rate of 125 degrees F would take two years for the Diesel Exhaust Fluid to turn into ammonia and evaporate. However, you risk evaporation at any temperature around 86 F due to DEF fluid being about 2/3 water. Don’t worry about a couple of gallons of the stuff evaporating from disuse unless exposed to consistent hot climates.

9. Is Diesel Exhaust fluid a Toxic and Harmful Chemical?

Urea has been synthesized since 1828 after treating ammonium chloride with silver cyanate. Urea was discovered in urine in 1727. Urea is primarily used in fertilizer for agriculture and explosives, chemical industry, skin creams, lotions, hair removers, plastics, dish soaps, and power fuel cells. Urea and consequently Diesel Exhaust Fluid is not overly toxic to humans. Urea can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract but not life-threatening. High concentrations in the blood can damage humans; however, ingestion of low concentrations of urea, given adequate water ingestion of water, is not harmful. In nature, urea can cause algal blooms. When it decomposes above its melting point, it may produce toxic gases. Mixed with certain chlorides, oxidants, nitrites can cause fire or even explosions.

10. What happens to the engine if the Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank is empty?

The EPA now requires all diesel engine manufacturers to integrate some tiered warning system to let the driver know how close to empty the DEF fluid tank is. If you ignore the Diesel Exhaust Fluid warning, the vehicle will cease to work. Some diesel engine manufacturers let the engine go into reduced power mode to limit the times you can turn the engine over. Treat the DEF fluid tank like the fuel tank.

11. Does Diesel Exhaust Fluid Have a Low Freeze Point?

The standard 32.5% solution of Diesel Exhaust fluid will begin to freeze at 12 F. The Urea and water in DEF fluid, when mixed, will freeze at the same rate. This is beneficial to the user because the DEF fluid solution does not become diluted or overly concentrated when the fluid thaws. Freezing and thawing cycles have no impact on the grade of the product.

12. What is the best method to keep Diesel Exhaust Fluid from freezing?

It is completely safe to keep a gallon or two of Diesel Exhaust Fluid in your vehicle; however, it is not advisable. DEF fluid will start to decompose at 86 F. It is elementary to forget about the Diesel Exhaust Fluid in the back of your vehicle. Also, given an extended period of hot days, the fluid can become unstable and decompose at a very minimal rate. A diluted Diesel Exhaust Fluid without the mixture of 32.5% urea can damage Diesel Exhaust Fluid and SCR, but cases of that happening are rare. Consequently, Diesel Exhaust Fluid will freeze in the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank on freezing days below 12 F. That is completely normal. It does not hurt the engine at all. The SCR systems provide heat to the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank, which will quickly thaw the tank and supporting supply lines

13. Can I add an anti-freezing solution to the Diesel Exhaust fluid mixture to keep it from freezing?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a formula of 32.5% Urea and water. Although, the solution contains other compounds to stabilize the product. The further blending of the DEF fluid mixture will compromise its ability to work appropriately as it will cause harm to the SCR system.

14.  How much does Diesel Exhaust Fluid Weigh, and will it load down my tuck?

Each gallon of Diesel Exhaust Fluid weighs about 9 lbs. A typical light-duty/medium-duty truck will have a tank of roughly 3-5 gallons.

15. How is the production of Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

It is not suggested that the direct consumer produce their Diesel Exhaust Fluid. DEF fluid is closely regulated, has precise requirements for maintaining chemical purity, and contains ingredients necessary to working with the SCR system. Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, among others, require that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid be used with the SCR systems. It meets all ISO guidelines and API requirements. API certification is an entirely voluntary program established by the American Petroleum Institute (API), which certifies the chemical pureness of DEF fluid and that manufacturers meet ISO specifications. All major brands of Diesel Exhaust Fluid available to the consumer market meet API Certification.

16. What is the Diesel Exhaust Fluid Shelf Life?

If the Diesel Exhaust Fluid is stored at ambient temperatures of 75 F with no significant disclosure to heat over 86 F, then the batch of DEF fluid will last roughly two years. If a package of Diesel Exhaust Fluid is exposed to periods of heating, the fluid will last approximately one year.

17. Who are the major DEF manufacturers in the USA?

There are many manufacturers of Diesel Exhaust Fluid. There are 13 major DEF manufactures. DEF fluid is found at most major truck stops, auto parts stores, and convenience stores.

The azure team is among the top DEF manufacturers.

18. How can you discover the age of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid container?

Every single Diesel Exhaust fluid package has a manufacturer’s date located on the product. Usually, it is on the front of the box near the bottom. This date code tells the exact date the batch was produced. Subsequently, it indicates the age of the bottle of DEF fluid. Gallon containers have a laser code that is printed on the bottle. Larger 2-5 gallon tanks have a small date code printed on the product’s label. More giant drums of DEF fluid (55 gallons +) and totes (275-355 gallons) will have a more prominent label applied to the side of the drum. Reading a code can be a bit tricky. Each one is a little different. Usually, the first number of the date code represents the batch number, and the following six numbers reflect the date the batch was filled at the factory.

19. How do you identify a Diesel Exhaust fluid Filling Pump Vs. a Diesel Fuel Pump?

Multiple measures have been implemented to prevent Diesel Engine Fuel from being pumped into the DEF fuel tank. The international color of pumps and diesel filling stations is Green. The color of choice to represent Diesel Exhaust Fluid is Blue.

20. What should you do if you accidentally dispense diesel fuel into the DEF Fluid?

Do not start the engine. Simply dumping diesel fuel in the Diesel Exhaust Fluid will not harm your engine if you do not start the engine. The SCR should recognize a solution other than DEF fluid in the tank. You should notify the driver via the ECM readout on the dashboard. It is important not to drive the vehicle. Driving the car can cause the spread of the fuel into the lines and the SCR. It would help if you drained the tank with the truck in its original position. Diesel fuel will ruin the SCR catalyst if the engine is started, which is very costly to replace and out of warranty. If Diesel Exhaust Fluid enters the fuel system and spreads throughout the engine, it may ruin the diesel engine.

Azure team has more than 10 years of experience in supplying and processing petrochemical products, urea, PVC, fertilizers, and other products.

 Due to our expertise, dedication, and automated processes, we consistently deliver products of the highest quality. To meet the NOx reduction goals of your fleet or equipment, we offer numerous packaging and quantity options, including totes, jugs, drums, and bulk supplies. Likewise, our delivery and payment options are also highly accommodating your needs.

We serve a range of industries and offer DEF supplies in AUS 32, AUS 40, as well as high-purity solutions such as our 50% urea aqueous solution.

As a full-service provider, Azure DEF is also available to answer your questions, as well as recommend DEF transfer, storage, and handling options. To learn how Azure DEF can reduce your fleet costs, please contact us today.

 

 

Sources:

 

20 Facts You Need To Know About Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Capitalremanexchange

https://www.capitalremanexchange.com/20-facts-you-need-to-know-about-diesel-exhaust-fluid-def/