How to Purchase, Store & Handle Diesel Exhaust Fluid

In this guide, we will explore the best practices for purchasing high-quality Diesel Exhaust Fluid, how to store it correctly, and key handling procedures to ensure optimal performance.

Understanding Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Its Importance

Before diving into purchasing and storage tips, it’s essential to understand what Diesel Exhaust Fluid is and why it is critical for diesel engine performance and environmental compliance.

What Is Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-toxic, colorless solution composed of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% deionized water. It is used in diesel-powered vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to break down harmful NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.

By injecting DEF into the exhaust stream, the SCR system significantly reduces air pollution, helping vehicles comply with stringent emissions regulations such as the EPA’s Tier 4 Final standards.

Why Is Diesel Exhaust Fluid Important?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid is essential for maintaining engine efficiency and compliance with environmental laws. Without DEF, vehicles with SCR technology cannot operate properly, leading to reduced fuel efficiency, power limitations, and potential fines for emissions violations.

Using high-quality DEF ensures that diesel engines run smoothly, maintain fuel economy, and meet government-mandated emissions standards.

Purchasing High-Quality Diesel Exhaust Fluid

When buying Diesel Exhaust Fluid, it is crucial to ensure that you are getting a product that meets industry standards and is free from impurities.

Choosing a Reputable Supplier

Purchasing DEF from a trusted supplier, such as Azure Chemical, guarantees that you receive a high-quality product that meets ISO 22241 standards. DEF that does not meet these standards can cause contamination, damage the SCR system, and lead to costly repairs.

Look for DEF suppliers that:

• Have a proven track record of providing certified DEF.
• Offer testing and quality assurance reports.
• Supply DEF in properly sealed and labeled containers.

Checking for Certification and Purity

Quality Diesel Exhaust Fluid must adhere to ISO 22241 standards to ensure it is free from contaminants such as metals and minerals. Before purchasing, verify that the product packaging includes certification labels, batch numbers, and expiration dates.

Avoid purchasing DEF from unverified sources, as low-quality or contaminated DEF can lead to engine performance issues and expensive repairs.

Proper Storage of Diesel Exhaust Fluid

To maintain its effectiveness, Diesel Exhaust Fluid must be stored under specific conditions to prevent contamination and degradation.

Ideal Storage Conditions

DEF is sensitive to temperature and exposure to contaminants. To ensure its longevity:

• Store DEF in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
• Maintain storage temperatures between 12°F (-11°C) and 86°F (30°C). DEF can freeze below 12°F but remains usable once thawed.
• Keep containers sealed to prevent exposure to dust, dirt, and other pollutants.

Proper storage helps maintain the integrity of Diesel Exhaust Fluid, ensuring it performs efficiently in SCR systems.

Shelf Life and Expiration

Diesel Exhaust Fluid has a shelf life of approximately 12 to 24 months, depending on storage conditions. Heat exposure can accelerate degradation, reducing its effectiveness.

To ensure DEF remains usable:

• Check the expiration date before use.
• Use older stock before newer stock to maintain freshness.
• Store DEF in tightly sealed containers to prevent moisture contamination.

By following these guidelines, businesses and fleet owners can avoid costly engine issues caused by degraded DEF.

Safe Handling and Usage of Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Handling Diesel Exhaust Fluid correctly is essential to prevent contamination and ensure it functions properly in SCR-equipped vehicles.

Preventing Contamination

Even small amounts of contaminants can negatively impact DEF performance. To avoid contamination:

• Always use dedicated DEF dispensing equipment.
• Never mix DEF with fuel, oil, or other chemicals.
• Use clean, sealed containers for transport and refills.

Contaminated DEF can clog the SCR system, leading to expensive repairs and decreased engine performance.

Proper Refilling Techniques

When refilling a DEF tank:

• Use a DEF-dedicated pump or funnel.
• Avoid overfilling the tank to prevent spills and excess evaporation.
• Clean the DEF fill port before dispensing to remove dirt and debris.

By following proper refilling procedures, vehicle owners can maximize the effectiveness of Diesel Exhaust Fluid and avoid unnecessary maintenance costs.

Preventing Common Diesel Exhaust Fluid Issues

Despite its benefits, Diesel Exhaust Fluid can cause issues if not managed properly.

Avoiding Freezing Problems

DEF can freeze at 12°F (-11°C), but this does not impact its quality. Modern diesel vehicles have heated DEF tanks to prevent freezing.

To prevent freezing in storage:

• Keep DEF indoors during extreme cold temperatures.
• Use heated storage tanks for bulk DEF.
• Allow frozen DEF to thaw naturally before use.

Managing DEF Crystallization

If Diesel Exhaust Fluid is exposed to air for prolonged periods, it can crystallize, leading to clogged injectors and inefficient SCR operation.

To prevent crystallization:

• Keep containers tightly sealed.
• Use DEF quickly after opening.
• Clean DEF dispensing equipment regularly.

Proper management reduces the risk of costly engine issues related to DEF crystallization.

Choosing the Right Diesel Exhaust Fluid Dispensing System

Having the correct equipment for dispensing Diesel Exhaust Fluid ensures safe and efficient usage.

Bulk DEF Storage and Dispensers

For fleets and businesses that use large quantities of DEF, bulk storage solutions such as DEF totes and dispensing pumps are ideal. These systems:

• Provide easy access for refilling multiple vehicles.
• Reduce packaging waste from single-use containers.
• Minimize contamination risks by using sealed pumps.

Investing in a proper DEF dispensing system helps streamline operations and maintain DEF quality.

Portable DEF Containers for On-the-Go Use

For individual vehicles or small-scale operations, portable DEF containers with spouts or pumps offer convenience. These containers:

• Allow for easy transport and refilling.
• Reduce the risk of spills and waste.
• Help maintain DEF purity when stored correctly.

Selecting the right DEF dispensing system ensures efficiency and long-term reliability.

FAQs

How long does Diesel Exhaust Fluid last?

DEF has a shelf life of 12 to 24 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place.

Can Diesel Exhaust Fluid freeze?

Yes, DEF freezes at 12°F (-11°C), but once thawed, it retains its effectiveness.

How can I tell if my DEF is contaminated?

Cloudiness, discoloration, or crystal formation indicate contamination. Always use high-quality DEF to avoid system damage.

Can I store DEF in any container?

No, DEF should only be stored in dedicated DEF containers to prevent contamination.

Where can I buy high-quality Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Azure Chemical provides premium Diesel Exhaust Fluid that meets all industry standards for purity and performance.

Conclusion

Managing Diesel Exhaust Fluid properly is essential for maintaining diesel engine efficiency and meeting emissions regulations. By purchasing DEF from reputable suppliers, storing it under ideal conditions, and handling it with care, businesses and fleet operators can prevent costly engine problems.

At Azure Chemical, we provide premium Diesel Exhaust Fluid that meets ISO 22241 standards, ensuring high performance and compliance with emissions laws. Contact us today to order high-quality DEF and keep your diesel engines running smoothly!