What Does DEF Fluid Do?

DEF Fluid is becoming a necessity for diesel truck owners as older vehicles. All new trucks are required to use DEF fluid because of their emissions control systems. This begs the fundamental question, what exactly is DEF fluid, and what does it do?

This article will clarify what you have to know about DEF fluid, including the benefits that you will receive by using Diesel Exhaust Fluid.

Understanding DEF Fluid Use

While DEF fluid is not new, it has been recently made far more critical for diesel drivers. DEF fluid is the primary companion to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems the EPA mandates. These two pieces work together to reduce dangerous gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Instead, an SCR-equipped engine will catch particulates through a filter. Then it sprays the remaining exhaust with the DEF Fluid. The diesel exhaust fluid is then changed from those pollutants into harmless water and nitrogen. With all these steps in place, those sizeable black exhaust clouds are a thing of the past!

Buying DEF Fluid

Even though DEF fluid has become mandatory for those driving new trucks, it is still not convenient to refill it. Usually, one would find Diesel Exhaust Fluid only available in 2.5-gallon jugs at truck stops or gas stations around the country. Jubitz is happy to offer DEF fluid at the pump, making refilling as easy and convenient as refueling your tank. Now, drivers can have options that best suit them, whether stocking up on Diesel Exhaust Fluid or filling up their tank.

DEF Fluid is a crucial ingredient in truck emission control. Diesel engines produce dangerous nitrogen oxides (NOx) that pollute the air. DEF fluid is mixed with diesel exhaust particles to lower NOx levels in Selective Catalytic Reduction. This breaks things down into the water and plain nitrogen, which poses no threat to the environment.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a precise solution with 32.5% high-grade urea and 67.5% deionized water. This is not considered as an additive for the fuel. It never actually touches the diesel itself, despite its name. It has its isolated tank from which the system gets small amounts for spraying onto the exhaust stream.

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Why Selective Catalytic Reduction is Used?

Selective Catalytic Reduction technology has been used since the late 1950s. It has been used to reduce the harmful emissions in coal-fired plants for years. It has been included in Japanese diesel vehicles. SCR was generally adopted in response to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s stricter emissions standard in 2010. It is considered the best solution to reduce pollutants without discrediting vehicle performance. That’s because it just acts on the exhaust stream after the vehicle’s engine has done its job. Manufacturers still have the choice to tweak the engine in any way they want. In short, SCR does not impede progress.

How Much DEF Fluid is Needed in Trucks?

DEF fluid consumption depends on factors such as fuel efficiency and dosing rate and. The ratio of DEF fluid to diesel is the dosing rate. Meanwhile, the number of miles per gallon in fuel efficiency.

What Will Happen if a Truck Runs Out of DEF Fluid?

Keeping the DEF fluid tank filled with fluid is an essential matter for the environment. Trucks that use SCR technology slow down as the DEF fluid level gets dangerously low. Drivers are not able to reach their destination in time unless they remedy the situation.

Is Diesel Exhaust Fluid Harmful?

Diesel Exhaust fluid is not harmful. You do not need to use protective clothing when handling DEF fluid. Just remember not to stain your clothes. Wash it off with water if it drops on your skin. If it spills on the floor, do the same. Go outside and get fresh air if you inhale it. If you ingest it, consult a doctor immediately. Remember that the fluid can corrode metals like zinc, aluminum, carbon steel, and copper.

What is the Shelf Life of DEF Fluid?

DEF fluid should be used within two years of production. Check the label to notice the actual expiry date. Ensure that the container is shielded from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Shelf life can shorten if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods. On the bright side, expired DEF fluid can be recycled as lawn fertilizer when diluted with water, thanks to its urea content.

How Does Temperature Affect Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Since DEF fluid is 67.5% water, high temperature may lead to its evaporation. Prevent evaporation by keeping the lid closed on the containers. As for low temperatures, DEF fluid may crystallize into a slushy consistency at 12 F.

What Happens if Diesel Gets into the DEF Fluid Tank?

Diesel and DEF fluid should not be mixed at all. So many measures are in place to prevent this, such as blue filling caps for DEF fluid with clear labeling. Diesel nozzles are also more significant than those for Diesel Exhaust Fluid so that they won’t fit in the wrong tank. If a mix-up happens by mistake, then stop the vehicle and drain the DEF fluid tank. Do not drive the truck till this issue has been resolved to prevent damage to the catalyst.

How Can I Buy Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

It is possible to purchase Diesel Exhaust Fluid in small amounts at pumping stations and truck stops. But they are so expensive. Also, they are unreliable because they could run out of supply without any warning. As trucks travel thousands of miles a year, they will consume over a hundred gallons of DEF fluid annually. A large fleet will require an ample supply at the point of origin. DEF fluid suppliers like Tevis Energy can deliver DEF fluid to fill storage tanks. The entire fleet can be checked to see how much each truck needs. Tevis Energy also offers jugs or drums of DEF fluid to customers.

With the addition of SCR to Cummins diesel engines for a wide range of vehicles built-in 2010 or later, we’ve answered some of the most critical questions about Diesel Exhaust Fluid.

6 Frequently Asked Questions about DEF Fluid

Question 1: Where can I find DEF Fluid?

Answer: Because all diesel-powered passenger trucks built since 2010 are equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF Fluid), it is readily available at most fueling stations and automotive parts retail stores. Truck stops often have a DEF fluid pump right on the fuel island. You can also get DEF fluid at central OEM locations. Including distributor locations and Cummins dealers. If you have a large fleet and the storage capacity to justify bulk purchasing, your fuel supplier could supply Diesel Exhaust Fluid to you directly.

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Question 2: What’s the shelf life of DEF Fluid?

Answer: DEF fluid shelf life depends on the temperature of your storage facility. It is recommended that DEF fluid be stored between 12°F and 86°F. But when it is held below 65°F, shelf life is extended to 2 years. It is recommended to keep Diesel Exhaust Fluid in a climate-controlled environment and out of direct sunlight to extend shelf life. 

Question 3: What happens if DEF Fluid freezes?

Answer: While DEF fluid does freeze at 12 degrees F, frozen Diesel Exhaust Fluid does not impact the truck’s operation. Upon engine operation, the SCR system provides heat to the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank and lines, which allows the DEF fluid to thaw rapidly and keeps it flowing to the after-treatment system regardless of the outside temperature.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid is formulated with 67.5 percent deionized water and 32.5 percent urea. When the vehicle’s engine is not used, DEF fluid freezes at 12°F (-11°C). Engines with SCR are programmed for optimal performance at this ratio, which is why it is essential to make sure you get a quality brand of DEF that meets ISO specifications.

One operational difference to note: DEF expands when it is frozen (by approximately 7 percent) like any water-based fluid. When the operator shuts the vehicle down in cold weather, waiting 60 seconds before turning off the battery allows the DEF fluid to drain back out of the hoses and into the DEF fluid tank.

No freeze point or anti-gelling additive or improver should ever be added to the Diesel Exhaust Fluid, as they will impede its ability to perform correctly and may damage SCR system components.

Question 4: How much DEF Fluid will my vehicle use?

Answer: DEF fluid consumption will vary depending on the equipment you are using are the environment, operation, and duty cycle. DEF fluid consumption is 3-5% of your total fuel consumption levels.

Since most DEF fill-ups will take place simultaneously as you get diesel fuel, it’s helpful to look at usage from that perspective. Our recommendation is to top off your DEF fluid when you refuel. If you run a vehicle that gets actual deficient activity, or the car is stored in high temperatures, where shelf life might be necessary, adjust your Diesel Exhaust Fluid refills accordingly and consider having a spare bottle of DEF fluid available.

Question 5: What happens if my equipment runs out of DEF Fluid?

Answer: All 2010 engines with SCR are designed with a gauge that shows the DEF fluid level. Additionally, they are equipped with a system of flashing lights to alert the operator well in advance when the Diesel Exhaust tank is getting out of fluid. If the reservoir is not refilled with DEF fluid and runs low, vehicle speed will be limited, but the engine will resume normal speed levels as soon as DEF fluid is added.

Question 6: Does my equipment use a DEF Fluid filter?

Answer: Yes, all SCR systems come equipped with a DEF fluid filter located in the DEF fluid tank.

DEF fluid filters help keep unwanted contaminants out of your SCR equipment.  If DEF fluid is not correctly filtered, urea crystals are gained during transport, and storage can cause the SCR system to malfunction. Using Fleetguard DEF fluid filters helps you prevent plugged Diesel Exhaust Fluid dosing valves. It enables the SCR equipment to increase harmful NOx emissions as intended.

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, Contact Us Now.

Sources:

The Basics of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). 2021 (January, 21). Jubitz

https://jubitz.com/diesel-exhaust-fluid-def/

Inc, C. 2016 (January, 4). 6 Answers About Diesel Exhaust Fluid. Cummins

https://www.cummins.com/news/2016/01/04/6-answers-about-diesel-exhaust-fluid

What Is Diesel Exhaust Fluid? 2020 (September, 14). Tevisenergy

https://www.tevisenergy.com/diesel-exhaust-fluid/