DEF Fluid is a non-hazardous solution. Diesel Exhaust Fluid is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. DEF Fluid is sprayed into diesel vehicles’ exhaust to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. DEF diesel fluid is not a fuel additive and never comes into contact with diesel. DEF fluid is stored in a separate tank, typically with a blue filler cap.
Diesel has been grown in recent years. Technology is working rapidly to change the fuel’s image and make diesel vehicles viable for the future.
Contents
- 1 How does DEF Fluid Work?
- 2 Who Needs DEF Fluid?
- 3 What are the Different Delivery Modes of DEF Fluid?
- 4 Where to Buy DEF Fluid?
- 5 How Much Can I Expect to Pay for DEF Fluid?
- 6 What will Happen if My Truck Runs out of DEF Fluid?
- 7 12 Most Common Questions about DEF Fluid
- 7.1 1. How often should you add DEF Fluid?
- 7.2 2. What if you run out of DEF Fluid?
- 7.3 3. How much does DEF Fluid cost?
- 7.4 4. Can I switch DEF Fluid suppliers?
- 7.5 5. Is DEF Fluid corrosive?
- 7.6 6. Do you need to cover protective clothing when filling up the DEF Fluid tank?
- 7.7 7. What should you do if you spill DEF Fluid?
- 7.8 8. What is the shelf life of DEF Fluid?
- 7.9 9. Does DEF Fluid evaporate?
- 7.10 10. What is the difference between the urea used in DEF Fluid and the agricultural urea?
- 7.11 11. What happens if you Ingest DEF Fluid?
- 7.12 12. What happens if you Inhale DEF Fluid fumes?
How does DEF Fluid Work?
DEF Fluid is a solution of urea and water injected into diesel vehicles’ exhaust streams to turn NOx gases into nitrogen and water. This system is named a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) implemented by vehicle manufacturers. SCR is a way of meeting the standards without compromising engine performance or fuel efficiency. DEF fluid is not a fuel additive and is stored in separate tanks.
Who Needs DEF Fluid?
DEF fluid is a requirement for medium and heavy-duty vehicles with diesel engines produced after 2010. The car is programmed to inject the DEF Fluid into the exhaust stream to meet emissions requirements. If the vehicle can run out of diesel exhaust fluid, the engine performance will be reduced, and lower speeds will be imposed.
What are the Different Delivery Modes of DEF Fluid?
DEF fluid can be bought in many ways. There are different sizes of containers or jugs a driver can buy. This requires the driver to transfer the diesel exhaust fluid into the vehicle manually. DEF diesel fluid can also be dispensed into the car through a fueling dispenser when equipped.
Where to Buy DEF Fluid?
DEF fluid is an excellent product for all c-stores. Because there are many cars on the road, retailers who sell diesel at their fueling station can use the volume traded to indicate the number of diesel customers. Most heavy trucks on the road today require diesel exhaust fluid. Places with a separate large truck filling location should consider offering DEF fluid out of the dispensers. This provides more significant margins since they generally buy the diesel exhaust fluid in bulk to store in their tanks. Some locations selling large amounts of diesel on their forecourt should also consider a dispenser solution.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for DEF Fluid?
The price of DEF fluid will depend on:
· Your location
· Supply method
· The volume of DEF fluid that you purchase
What will Happen if My Truck Runs out of DEF Fluid?
Vehicle manufacturers should put measures in place to ensure that vehicles cannot run without DEF fluid. Before a truck’s DEF fluid tank runs empty, the driver is given a series of alerts on their dashboard displays.
If the vehicle can run out of diesel exhaust fluid, the engine’s power is reduced. Also, a solid red warning will be displayed, and the vehicle speed will be limited to 5 mph until the DEF fluid tank is refilled.
12 Most Common Questions about DEF Fluid
1. How often should you add DEF Fluid?
2.5 gallons of DEF fluid will last 800 miles on the road. That means 1 gallon of DEF fluid will last about 300 to 500 miles. You can estimate, for every 50 gallons of diesel, you’ll need 1 gallon of DEF fluid. Remember, make sure you don’t allow your DEF to go completely dry.
2. What if you run out of DEF Fluid?
Recently, all vehicles have been equipped with gauges and lights to alert you when DEF fluid is low. An emergency light will be triggered if DEF fluid is not replaced. Also, engine speed will be reduced to as little as five miles per hour.
To be prepared, it’s wise to carry a bottle in your truck. Consequently, you don’t get stuck driving slow. It’s also necessary to know that DEF fluid is nontoxic. That means you or your fleet’s drivers can readily replace DEF fluid as needed.
3. How much does DEF Fluid cost?
The DEF fluid price varies depending on the quality and quantity of Diesel Exhaust Fluid you need to cover your fleet.
Contact Azure today to learn more about pricing options.
4. Can I switch DEF Fluid suppliers?
Yes, you can. And if you have any remaining fluid in the tank, just run it as low as possible before filling it up again. Since DEF is a pure chemical, your tank doesn’t need to be cleaned out. That is unless you think it might be contaminated.
5. Is DEF Fluid corrosive?
DEF Fluid is not harmful, toxic, or dangerous. Diesel Fluid is the least hazardous of all the fluids used in a truck, such as an engine oil, diesel, antifreeze, brake fluid, and windscreen wash. However, DEF fluid is corrosive for some metals such as aluminum, carbon steel, zinc, and copper. DEF fluid should not be stored in containers made of these materials. Your DEF supplier can advise you further. ISO22241 provides a list of recommended and not recommended materials but clarifies that neither list is exhaustive.
6. Do you need to cover protective clothing when filling up the DEF Fluid tank?
Wearing protective clothing is unnecessary when handling DEF fluid. However, Diesel Exhaust Fluid can stain clothes. If you do spill any DEF fluid on your dress, rinse it off with water.
7. What should you do if you spill DEF Fluid?
If you spill a little DEF fluid, it can be washed with water. If you spill a lot of DEF fluid, then contact your DEF fluid supplier for advice.
8. What is the shelf life of DEF Fluid?
DEF fluid has two years of shelf life. However, this can be decreased if the Diesel Exhaust Fluid is exposed to direct sunlight. Also, if the temperature of the DEF fluid remains above 86°F for long periods, the shelf life may be reduced. All DEF fluid packaging should be labeled with an expiry date. If you have a Diesel Exhaust Fluid beyond its expiry date, contact your supplier.
9. Does DEF Fluid evaporate?
DEF fluid evaporates if stored at higher temperatures for an extended period. Because Def Fluid is 67.5% water, to avoid any evaporation, keep the cap of the Deisel Exhaust Fluid tank and storage containers securely closed.
Field tests have shown no significant risk of evaporation from DEF tanks even in high temperatures.
10. What is the difference between the urea used in DEF Fluid and the agricultural urea?
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) uses automotive-grade urea, much higher purity than fertilizer urea. Using lower-quality fertilizer urea will cause degradation of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, eventually causing the truck to break down. In the short term, it may also cause the sensors to believe the truck’s Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank is empty and prompt a de-rating event, which reduces engine power and eventually prevents the engine from restarting.
11. What happens if you Ingest DEF Fluid?
DEF Fluid should not be swallowed. If DEF Fluid is ingested, a physician should be consulted immediately.
12. What happens if you Inhale DEF Fluid fumes?
When pumping DEF Fluid in a closed area, inhalation of a small number of ammonia fumes from DEF Fluid might occur. If you inhale these fumes from DEF Fluid, move to a place of fresh air. A physician should be consulted if you feel any continued symptoms, such as irritation to the nose or throat. DEF fluid sometimes has a slight ammonia smell, but these are not harmful.
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:
What is DEF? Discoverdef
https://www.discoverdef.com/def-overview/
Frequently Asked Questions. Discoverdef
https://www.discoverdef.com/def-overview/faq/
Veeder-Root, G. What the DEF?! What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Should Your Forecourt Have It? Gibarco
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Explained. 2020 (June, 29). Ricochetfuel
https://www.ricochetfuel.com/blog/diesel-exhaust-fluid-explained/
